Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the “virtue of religion.” [Worship.] Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor (CCC 1807).
“Justice is a habit whereby a man renders to each one his due by a constant and perpetual will” (St. Thomas Aquinas).
“For the rich man in the Gospel who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day, is not said to have stolen what belonged to others, but to have used what was his own unfruitfully; and hell received him after this life, not because he did anything unlawful but because by immoderate indulgence he gave up his whole self to what was lawful” (St. Augustine).
Topics Discussed:
Summary of the seven Catholic social justice principles
Justice as a biblical concept
Justice in society
Overview:
Minutes 00:12:00 – Recap of series, CSJ principles 1-5
Minutes 12:01-24:00 – CSJ priciples 6-7, justice and righteousness in the Bible
Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Human justice and God’s justice
Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Some Church Fathers and Doctors on justice, justice as redemption and forgiveness
Additional Resources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Book, Amazon: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and USCCB
