ethics studies: 12-12-2021 post

https://www.film-shorts.tv/wpress.cfonseca160/blog/2021/12/12-about-justice/

Justice is virtue; pursuit of which can be elusive. Especially, when clouded by negative energy.

Catholics in America have a tradition of helping the poor, the orphan, those in need. However, not all Catholics point our fingers at every single injustice that we see; though we often should try our best to. We do NOT seek to right every wrong, at all times. What appears as neglect, to the eye of those who don’t understand, is inherent to our faith because of a tolerance for and acceptance of human suffering. This is not to be confused with appearances of indifference. Though, such appearances can be confusing to an onlooker when observing someone who understands and expects that evils are done in the world.

It is not possible to correct every single injustice, in an imperfect world. Especially, while all of us are imperfect ourselves for now. Though, we collectively are tasked to endeavor for more fairness, everywhere that we can, within our reach.

Secondly, not all humans care enough to abhor all kinds or every injustice. Even within our faith communities, not all of us are saints yet. It is the sinner who goes to church, attempting to become better – even if in only small ways to begin with.

Thirdly (and perhaps one of the more lesser understood points), Catholic doctrine teaches that one should not always deny other believers of their own cross. This teaching often confounds people in the world today who aim to accomplish solutions without duty to God in their hearts and minds.

What does this third point mean exactly?

Well, it means that a man’s (or woman’s or child’s) suffering is not only a lifetime trial (“struggle” or “battle”); but, it is also intimately his. It belongs to him or her, intimately. And, it has much intrinsic value.

This means, that a man’s endurance is tested by injustices. Injustice can be a fertilizer. In that way, a gift. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of this when he famously said “we shall overcome”. In my view, he was not necessarily speaking about achieving equality (though he was doing that to great extent as well). Rather, I believe that he was speaking more about transcendence in the minds and hearts (victory) to achieve greater widespread incentive in order to become fair and to execute right judgment. Overcoming (or a man’s defeat), is an experience which tests his endurance. It enriches his quest. It gives his life meaning, even when seeming senseless, perhaps vain, or even sadomasochistic to the onlookers.

In Catholic faith, we are taught the analogy of gold being forged in fire. In so doing, the process removes impurity.

So, we should not misinterpret “inaction” as insensitivity, lack of empathy, lack of concern, nor indifference, nor injustice. What you may judge as a hard heart, may in fact be a heart that is aware of an imperfect world. Being aware, with patient hope, for widespread joy to come.

It is precisely in carrying one’s cross (whether “justly” or “unjustly” given), that we please our Creator and fulfill mission. One man’s mission may be to assist the poor, while another man’s mission may be to keep himself well. Catholics believe in receiving life’s blessings. And, Christians as a whole desire it abundantly; but, to eliminate all injustices from the world, is to spoil us. That is, for now true. But, when we have our Master return to us, then we will not be corruptible any longer.

We all need only look to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to remember this truth (fact) – if we choose to credit Him for all the richness and goodness that might be poured out on some. Later, upon all who are written in the Book of Life.

And, as we witness brave people being subjected to unfairness, we as Christians are reminded to witness the suffering of the righteous, as their modeled behavior after the Son of God. It is Christ who endured the most.

Enduring one’s suffering, is a gift back to God. One, which well-pleases Him; even if it should be displeasing and contemptible in the sight of other men/women/children.

We Christians must remember that despite our sufferings, only Christ endured it entirely undeserved (unlike all humans), and dutifully so. Most of us would not be willing.

Outpouring of support and defenses, to favor of those who are suffering, is rarely rejected by the sufferer; however, vindication is not lasting if it only comes from the world and the accolades dispensed from it.

With regard to attempting to try (judicially) fairly (ie. against a crime), prosecution would be tainted by one nation’s governing objectives. Impartiality, is perhaps best achieved by a more neutral body (ie. in venue of I.C.C., where the United Nations’ members can each weigh in). This can avert the bias and agendas of one nation. But, even this is imperfect. We’ve witnessed that before, when nations cannot agree and argue among themselves. Yet, it can be argued, that system is perhaps fairer and more democratic for now.

Thus, change of venue might be more just and appropriate in particular judicial case applications, where a single nation (or biased group of nations), is/are
biased and predisposed toward either prosecution or acquittal well before any fair trial.

We humans cherish our hard fought-for freedom. It is, however, honorable for just men to suffer even prison.

Deifying a human, without question, makes idol out of him. Again, there is no perfect man, woman, or child. Most often, it is so far still better to permit injustices if the alternative would be wide-scale pursuit (and disappointments) of false Christs. Such desperate search, is a form of idolatry in itself. It is a blind belief in something better, that is not necessarily any better than what you were wrongly worshiping before… somewhere else.

I think of two very courageous people: 1. Mahatma Gandhi, and 2. Nelson Mandela. These are two I think of because of the impression they made on me (and whom I was taught about) when I was a young boy. Both men took great stands and made personal sacrifice, Christ-like, to counter unfairness. Of course, these two men were not alone in all of history, acting as such. Great use of defiance, is however seen in them. Fortunately, in many other persons to this very day; though, to many it seems rarer so.

Today, we ought to be aware that forms of apartheid are exacted against innocents still… in many forms, globally, manifested in areas such as: services availability, medicine, income, nationality, judicial access, political distinctions, speech, and more.

Often, little can be done about it. Especially, without free speech. But, the least we should do in service, is to see things as they are – not with “rose colored glasses”. We should not glorify a nation or system that is failing to do what is fundamentally necessary as a baseline: to be fair. And, when we lose sight of what is fair, then we really need to go back together into the tenets of Christian faith and listen. Deeper understanding, is derived after sufficient suffering. Next, one needs to heal and console one’s suffering. One needs to be fair toward others, expect fairness in return; and take on any new suffering, with dignity. Especially, the third point, if fairness is not extended to pardon.