Reflection

“The order of society is based on two virtues: justice and charity. Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is justice’s role to prevent the attack.”
–Frédéric Ozanam

Prayer

God of order,

We live in a society where it seems increasingly difficult for our politics to embrace the “both/and” of justice and charity, together. And yet in your vision of persons in community, these virtues together form the one foundation of any society that hopes to cultivate deep and genuine peace. Help us to work towards a more peace-filled social order, as we respond compassionately to the wounded and the vulnerable that you put in our path. And may we be just as proactive in protecting our neighbors from the forces that would try to inflict harm. Amen.

Call to Action

Give myself a few moments today to contemplate the relationship between justice and charity.