Eighth Day of Lent

[And Jesus began to teach them] …“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted; blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.; blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy; blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account; rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:3-12

Whether taken individually or taken collectively, the Beatitudes speak of justice, the “Justice Christianus”.  Somehow and in some way, the present injustice will be reversed by the just actions of God.  But they speak not merely of justice in the hands of God but also the just ways that ought to be the ways of God’s People.

Humility, compassion, gentle manner, desperately seeking the right action, bestowing mercy, working for peace, courage, long-suffering and endurance … these are aspects of the “Justice Christianus”, a justice that goes counter to the justice as defined by the world.

All injustice will be dealt with either in this present moment, or soon to arrive moment, or in a moment awaits in the distance.  But injustice will be rectified and the people will be reconciled with God and others.  The intention of God will be finally achieved and fulfilled.

But alas we still live in a world of injustice, but the vector of our course is pointed toward justice realized.  So we do the just action in the just manner in the meantime, allowing the Lord to slowly transform this world through our just manner and just hope.

Always in Christ’s Service,

Fr. Charitas de la Cruz