Church teaching explained to you
YOUCAT*: One acts justly by always making sure to give to God and to one’s neighbor what is due to them. [1807, 1836]
As a child I remember thinking life wasn’t fair because I couldn’t have this or that. You know — manini-kine stuff. I didn’t think adults were acting justly.
But, as I’ve grown to learn, Scripture tells us that justice is more than fairness, it’s about loving your neighbor — no, not just the ones next door, but those you meet on the roads, in the streets or in the supermarket.
To act justly means to think about the needs of others as much as our own needs and acting on what you know to be fair.
‘If you want peace, work for justice.’ —Pope Paul VI
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
