Today has been designated as Social Justice Sunday by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. The imperative of the gospel to not only proclaim the Good News but to act on its implications in a practical way is always present. To this end the second reading is most relevant. James critiques his congregation for how they show favoritism to the rich. This causes him to think: "... have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?" (Jm 2: 3-4) Last Sunday we also heard the words: "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." (Jm 1: 22) Thus, the obligation to work for social justice applies not just to religious and civil institutions. Let us all work for peace and justice in our communities. Such efforts are not political statements rather they reflect the hope we have in the Kingdom of God that God's justice will reign not just in the next world but here and now.
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