Justice. When I hear this word, I automatically think of a courtroom or of rallies with flags waving. Of all the virtues, it seemed to me the most aggressive and intimidating.
But after praying and talking about it with some of the other FUS Women’s Ministry Core Team members, I realized how many opportunities we have here on campus to grow in this virtue without joining law school or causing a political upheaval.
Frank Sheed describes the virtue justice as, “a burning will that others have what is due to them…Justice means a really profound concern that others should have their rights, driving us to do something about it.”# What are these rights of which he is speaking? Should we memorize the Bill of Rights and recite it to every person we meet? What about in other countries?
Beyond the basic material needs that every person requires (food, water, shelter, etc.), there is a need to love and feel loved. I believe the heart of the virtue of justice is to acknowledge every person as a child of God and treat them as such so that they recognize it in their hearts. By their very existence on this earth, the human race will never be the same. Our generation is facing some of the greatest attacks on human dignity this world has seen. The value of the human person is viewed as relative, and the imperishable beauty of the human soul is denied outright. People are emotionally destroying each other, all for the sake of “humor” or in a quest for selfish self-esteem. Don’t worry, the virtue of justice is here to save the day!
So how can we practice this revolutionary virtue on campus?
Let’s start with how we treat others. The ministry of presence is one that is often overlooked but one that we intuitively know. When you’re having a conversation with someone, look them in the eye and listen. Even if you just remembered something super cool you REALLY want to tell them, wait until they are finished. Whether you’re standing outside or eating a meal with them, stay away from your cell phone. Unless there is some sort of emergency, keep the phone hidden throughout your time with this person. All these things let the person know you are genuinely interested in what they have to say and you enjoy being in their presence.
Do you enjoy seeing your friends? Show the world! When you see them approaching, throw back your head and roar to the heavens your joy at being on the same earth as them. Jumping up and down waving your arms in glee has the same affect. NOTE: these are just suggestions, in no way is your beauty or awesome-ness diminished if you do not do this, I understand. Please post other suggestions in the comment section.
I think we all can relate to that awkward moment when you’re walking around campus and you are walking past someone you don’t know or have met but can’t remember their name so you both just look down sheepishly and hurry past.
My dear sisters, do not be afraid to go out into the streets and smile and wave at strangers.
You don’t have to start a conversation, and if you do, it doesn’t have to be super intense. You can just give them a lovely, friendly smile that says, “Hello beautiful child of the Most High God, I recognize your worth and honor you. I hope you have a fantastic day!” It’s easier than it might sound, and you might make a few new friends from it! While driving or walking around town, I like to wave at people driving by (smile included). I call it “wave ministry”. It has the same affect as the smile, but it is a more direct, outward sign to others who might have otherwise missed the smile. It is a beautiful opportunity to touch someone’s life for just a moment. Perhaps they were having a terrible day, but by your small effort it is brightened.
Getting involved with the Works of Mercy on campus is a great way to grow in the virtue of justice. I encourage you to look into them, there are many and each is different, so there is a good chance there will be something to interest you or challenge you.
As students, most of us will have to take classes we don’t want to take. Sometimes teachers can get on our nerves. But they still are due our respect, even if we don’t think they know how to teach. That’s not the point. The point is that they are a teacher and someone in a position of authority. Some simple ways we can show our professors we respect them (even if we don’t particularly like them) is by showing up to class. Yes, sometimes things happen that are out of our control and we just can’t make it to class, but oftentimes we can and should. If the professors are taking time to be there, we should as well. Even if the professor says they don’t care about cell phone usage, try to avoid texting or fiddling around with your phone during class. Practicing respect for them outside of class is important too. By this I mean not trashing them as soon as you walk out of the door to anyone who will listen. If you’re not doing well in the class, honestly evaluate yourself and see if you are putting everything you can into it, or if you are slacking off. This is college, the classes are going to be difficult, whether you’re a freshman or a senior or a grad student. Before you start gossiping or ranting, think it through and give yourself time to cool down.
Let’s talk about practicing justice with yourself. I don’t think we will ever truly comprehend how special we are. Not in a narcissistic way, but in an oh-my-goodness-the-unique-beauty-of-me-is-so-fantastically-made!!! This is why comparing yourself with others is so silly, yet so easy to fall in to. We all do it, but that still doesn’t mean it’s just. By trying to conform yourself into the shape of someone else, either physically or emotionally, you are denying the world the unique beauty and gift of yourself. In all honesty, this can be viewed as a crime against humanity. Who are you to deprive the world of this unrepeatable light? To be anyone else other than yourself is just selfish. It is not only your right to be who you were created to be, it is also the world’s right to experience and be formed by the person God is calling you to be.
Part of practicing justice with yourself is balance. Setting your priorities and scheduling accordingly is important. Sometimes we want to do everything and over commit ourselves but rationalize it with a tired “it’s ok”. No it’s not. You have a right to sleep and a right to say no without feeling selfish. If you’re so busy that you don’t have time to take care of yourself physically and spiritually, you’re not being fair to yourself or anyone else.
And so my dear sisters, go out and be incredible (which means be yourself) and let others know they are a unique and precious gift to the world and that no one can replace them. Let us all grow in the virtue of justice this week and the weeks to come- the world desperately needs us.
Your sister in Christ,
Jenny
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