When we were kids we used to play in the yard and the field. There was a kind of cactus in the fence. Often its long and sharp thorns would pierce the palm or other parts. Almost always the tiny tip of it would break off and stay inside the skin. If the tiny piece of the thorn could be seen, mom would take it out with a needle. If it was smaller than what could be seen, it would remain there. On the second day, there would be a little infection with little bit of pus. This is the body's natural reaction to expel a foreign object that is not even visible to the eye.

I'm sure that I have said this many times before. However, I say it again because I feel it needs to be said again.

One can see that when peace is mentioned in the Old Testament, it is often mentioned in association with justice. Even the word 'shalom' indicates justice and peace at the same time.

"Justice and peace will embrace" (Ps. 85:10)

"Seek justice, redress oppression, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us settle the matter." (Is. 1:17-18)

"Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Ps. 34:14)

"Mark the blameless, observe the righteous; For the future of the man is peace." (Ps. 37:37).

When is peace at stake in a society? When there is injustice; when oppression is practiced; when rights are denied. When will peace be reestablished in the society? When justice is restored; when oppression is ended; when equality is recognized; when rights are respected.

That is the reason why the Church teaches that 'peace is through justice'. There can be no peace without justice.

The foundation of those who believe in Christ is His resurrection, right? The resurrection also tell us that overpowering, oppression, and annihilation will only be temporary. What has been destroyed does not disappear. What has been suppressed doesn't stay suppressed.

Shouldn't those who know Christ or the teachings of the Church be walking the path of justice? They should.

Let justice be done throughout the world. And let the Church not be an exception to it.