Where injustice persists, peace cannot exist. When a powerful nation takes advantage of a weaker one, peace is temporary at best. Injustice also corrupts our everyday relationships.
Some of us have been in toxic relationships where we gave much more than we received. Perhaps we told ourselves that if we gave just a little bit more, we could satisfy the other person. Or perhaps at times, in our weakness, we took more than we should have from others. Perhaps we even exploited others for our own personal gain. And surely we have witnessed the unjust treatment of others, either at the hands of individuals or because of exploitative social structures. Peace will not last in such circumstances.
What do we do about injustice once we recognize it? And where do we turn for the strength to act? In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit “will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have told you” (John 14:26). Jesus calls those of us who love him to keep his word, and God will dwell with us. For Christians, justice is measured by love. Indeed, if our hearts are open, the Holy Spirit will help us not only identify injustices but embolden us to act.
God’s peace does not call us to quietly tolerate ongoing injustices. True peace will only come when we recognize the presence of the triune God in our lives. God not only endows us with unalienable rights but gives us the capacity—when we work together—to be truly free.

J. D. Long-García

J. D. Long-García is senior editor at America magazine.