The Virtue of Justice
for showing kindness and a chance for greater enrichment." (Centesimus Annus)
"Society will become ever more human only when we introduce into all moral relationships . . . the moment of forgiveness, which is so much the message of the gospel. Forgiveness demonstrates the presence in the world of the love which is more powerful than sin. Forgiveness is also the fundamental condition of reconciliation. . . . A world in which forgiveness was eliminated would be nothing but a world of cold and unfeeling justice, in the name of which each person would claim his or her rights vis-a-vis others. The various kinds of selfishness latent in man would transform life and human society into a system of oppression of the weak by the strong, or into an arena of permanent strife between one group and another." (Dives in Misericordia)
From the above it is clear that true justice will never be attained in this vale of tears if one is concerned about justice alone. Whereas, "He who pursues justice and mercy will find life, justice and glory." (Proverbs 21:12)
Note
*Moralists point out that the use of epikeia is both useful and dangerous. It is useful if rightly used, for it liberates one from the letter of the law in certain rare situations not foreseen by the legislator; but it is dangerous, for it rests on the judgment of the individual, which is prone to decide in his own favor to the detriment of the common good as well as of self.
The above article was reprinted by permission of the author, Fr. Paul A. Duffner, Rosary Center Director. The Rosary Center is operated by the Dominican Fathers in Portland Oregon.
The article was published in the
May-June 1998 issue of The Rosary
Light and Life, newsletter of the
Confraternity of the Rosary.
For over 500 years the Confraternity of
the Rosary has encouraged people to pray
the full rosary each week. Members pray
the rosary and pray for each other. For
more information write:
The Rosary Center
Dominican
Fathers
P. O. Box 3617
Portland, Oregon 97208
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