JUST NOW
“He did so to manifest His own justice.” –Romans 3:25
Mass Readings: October 19
First: Romans 3:21-30; Resp: Psalm 130:1-6; Gospel: Luke 11:47-54
Listen to the Mass Readings
“Just yesterday, I was just just, just as he was.” The preceding sentence contains grammatically correct English. It shows the many usages of the word “just.” The sentence can be more clearly stated: “As recently as yesterday, I was merely fair, exactly as he was.” The English word “just” is just plain confusing.
Similarly, throughout the history of Christianity, most notably from the time of the Protestant Reformation, the words “just,” “justice,” and “justification” have been taught and understood in ways that are confusing. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the truth (Jn 16:13) about justice by prayerfully meditating on the following truths:
- God is just.
- “Both law and prophets bear witness” to God’s justice (Rm 3:21).
- The justice of God “works through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Rm 3:22).
- “All men are now undeservedly justified by the gift of God, through the redemption wrought in Christ Jesus” (Rm 3:24).
- “You must perceive that a person is justified by his works and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24).
After praying about these Scriptures, look up grace, faith, and justice in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (see the Catechism’s index for help). Let the Spirit teach you (Jn 14:26) about justice (Jn 16:8, 10).
PRAYER: Father, make me just, and not just just but also merciful.
PROMISE: “I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.” –Ps 130:5-6
PRAISE: St. Isaac Jogues and companions suffered injustice bravely, yet they still spread the good news of Jesus to their torturers.
