LORD! THAT I MAY SEE
A GARDEN OF JUSTICE
By Mary Olivia Patiño
Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: "The LORD our justice." -Jeremiah 23:5-6
Today’s readings speak powerfully of justice. Justice is a foundation of life. How we live; how we treat one another; how individuals or nations care for their people; how we care for our earth: all these are important to see clearly. Whether as young persons, young adulthood, or in our elder years, we do well to follow the rule of justice and compassion for ourselves and for others.
Being a person who enjoys the beauty and colorful harmony in a well-thought-out garden of plants and flowers, I’d like to reflect on justice as a garden bed of fairness and justice. Seedlings sprout and need tender care. Each plant strives to live harmoniously with the other; providing nutrients for all. Each gives out its own fragrance and beauty freely. I must admit, however, that I have not always adhered to these principles. But I keep trying.
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of ‘The LORD our justice.’ Then, in today’s Responsorial Psalm, the Psalmist speaks of giving judgment to the king and justice to the son of kings so he may rule with right judgment (Psalm 72:1)
‘Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.” (see Psalm 72)
We do well to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. In striving to live according to his teachings, despite our flaws or adversity, Jesus Christ will guide us to God the Father. Jesus is the true Son of Justice-he is LORD of justice, Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to help us live with courage and goodness; to be graced with the gift of right judgment. Amen.
For Reflection:
What are some ways that I live with justice in my personal, day-to-day life? What place do I have in the ‘garden of justice-the garden of life’? How does my faith flourish in the garden of justice?