The Core of Wisdom.

“Love justice.” These are the very first words of the Book of Wisdom, which suggests the ancient author thought of justice as the core of wisdom.

The admonition is addressed to those “who judge the earth,” meaning kings and other rulers. Since Wisdom is attributed to King Solomon, this may indicate that it is addressed to other kings of his time.

Wisdom reminds us that justice should be the prime concern of those who have power over others. Justice is a broad category, encompassing all our relations with other people and even with all of creation. It requires the right ordering of our relationships, respecting the rights and needs of others.

This reading reminds us that there are people in power who do not seek justice. Many practice deceit, lying to maintain their power. Many plot evil against others who stand in their way. Many not only ignore injustices that cry out for remedy but even perpetrate injustices upon the weak and the poor in order to exalt themselves.

We see this behavior all around the world today. Too many people seek security by embracing leaders who promote hatred and division rather than justice for all.

So how should we respond? Today’s Gospel offers two recommendations: forgive those who offend us, and deepen our faith. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., drawing from the words of Theodore Parker, a pre–Civil War abolitionist, once proclaimed: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” We must work toward justice, even as we forgive the oppressors.

And we must trust that, in the end, God will prevail and establish justice on the earth.

Fr. Lawrence E. Mick. Taken from Give Us this Day.

Fr. Lawrence E. Mick is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and a writer and consultant on the liturgy and sacraments.