Psalm Reflection: The Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

“The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” - Psalm 15

Justice is a strange word. When we use it in everyday conversation, we often speak about it in a positive way. We encourage and celebrate those who give their time fighting for those who are voiceless, oppressed, underrepresented or forgotten. Young people today are especially passionate about activism and calling attention to areas of justice that concern them. It seems like we can all get behind there being justice in the world.

However, once we associate the word justice with God, things start to shift. There is suddenly a tone of fear, judgment, apprehension and condemnation, causing us to shy away from or avoid the topic altogether. When was the last time you heard a homily or a talk on the justice of God? I would imagine it has been rare or never, because it is not a popular thing to talk about - fire and brimstone does not really inspire the masses! And yet, as the Psalmist says this Sunday, when we do justice we “will live in the presence of the Lord.” In essence, justice invites us deeper into relationship with God, it should not cause us to feel distant or afraid.

So what is a proper understanding of God’s justice? 

When we speak about justice for others, it is in reference to what we believe people deserve. Every human being was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), meaning that each of us has inherent value and deserves to be treated that way no matter the circumstances. From simply being compassionate to others, to ensuring all people have access to the basic necessities needed to live, justice is about everyone getting what we deserve. 

God’s justice may seem scary, but it is really an extension of and a respect for our own freedom. When we choose to go down the wrong path, to sin, to hurt others, or to seek our fulfillment in unhealthy habits, behaviors, things or relationships, God loves us enough to let us go. God respects our freedom, and His justice lets each to get what we deserve. So if reflecting on God’s justice causes us to worry, it should serve as an opportunity to recognize that we know we have done wrong and we need to turn back to God and be reconciled to Him. If we do not, God will still love us, but He will respect our decisions and our freedom; He will allow us to experience the consequences of our actions.

It is important to celebrate and thank God for His justice, because it helps us realize what we have done wrong, and what a gift it is that His justice is always married to His mercy. We are fallen individuals, so we will always sin in one way or another while we are on earth, it is basically inevitable. God’s justice, though it is always good, true and deserved, would cause us all to be lost. That is why we cling to His justice because with it He extends His mercy. It has been said that God’s justice gives us what we deserve, and God’s mercy gives us what we do not deserve. Every redeeming moment, every time we have felt God’s love or forgiveness, and every good thing in our lives — these are all undeserved gifts that were poured out through God’s mercy. We do not deserve any of it, especially because we constantly disobey God and mess up, and yet He continues to freely give of Himself to us. He gave Himself completely by paying the ultimate price on the cross, He suffered the ultimate injustice. God’s justice was overwhelmingly satisfied by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, freely and mercifully offering Himself in expiation for our sins.

What a profound and beautiful gift. If we fail to reflect on God’s justice, or if we run from it, we cannot possibly realize the depth of His mercy. So, thank you God for your justice.

This week, I invite you to reflect on the ways you have turned from the Lord in your life or even in the past week. Then recognize or make a list of all the good things God has still given you nonetheless. Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His mercy, for specific ways He has blessed you, and resolve to be reconciled through the Sacrament of Reconciliation at your next opportunity for the ways you have been ungrateful or have turned away from Him. Remember, God’s justice gives us what we deserve, and God’s mercy gives us what we do not deserve. 

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt