The Perspective of Justice

Our Hope and Strength

The risen Christ is our shepherd. “We are his people: the sheep of his flock.” He gives us eternal life, and we shall never perish.

The risen Christ is “a light to the nations,” so that all people everywhere are renewed by the Easter event.

The poor, the hungry and the homeless stand in the presence of the risen Christ: “He will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Abused children and the neglected elderly stand before the risen Christ: “He will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe every tear from. their eyes.”

The victims of war and torture, the masses of uprooted refugees, and the despised people of the world stand before the risen Christ: “He will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

We walk in the valley of darkness, but we fear no evil, for we follow in faith the call of the shepherd, who was “sent for our hope and strength.”

Jesus has entered our history as God's anointed son who announces the coming of God's kingdom, a kingdom of justice and peace and freedom.

And, what Jesus proclaims, he embodies in his actions. His ministry reveals that the reign of God is something more powerful than evil, injustice, and the hardness of hearts.

Through his crucifixion and resurrection, he reveals that God's love is ultimately victorious over all suffering, all horror, all meaninglessness, and even over the mystery of death.

Thus, we proclaim words of hope and assurance to all who suffer and are in need.

U.S. Bishops, Economic Justice for All, 1986: 28

Gerald Darring

**From Saint Louis University