Recalling last Sunday’s Gospel

The prophets of Israel call us back to the core of what it means to be human. God created us not just in goodness, but in right relationship-in harmony with God, with ourselves and with all of creation. Catholic tradition refers to this harmony as original justice. Isaiah reminds us that living in right relationship with God includes living in right relationship with others. Gertruda Domayo, featured in the CRS Rice Bowl Story of Hope from Tanzania, worked hard every day but still lived with the burden of hunger. To break the cycle of injustice, she chose to trust and work with others in her village. Now Gertruda can feed, house and clothe her family. She experienced the hope that justice-and community-produces.

Sometimes we see justice through a narrow lens. We think, “I follow the rules,” or “I give to charity,” and feel satisfied that our work is done. But the prophet Isaiah challenges us to expand our vision of justice, to see why justice is so close to God’s heart. Living a life of justice carries a promise from God-a promise of light and healing, protection and refreshment, a promise that what was broken can be restored. Isn’t this the promise of Easter and the eternal life that Jesus won for us? This Lent, practice justice. Justice today prepares us-and all of creation-for God’s never-ending joy.