The Just One

Below is the 11th in the August Catholic Social Teaching series.

The Old Testament description of the “Just One,” the Messiah, the ideal leader, is that of one who does not judge by appearance or hearsay.  He does not favor the wealthy. He listens to the afflicted to make decisions.  He has put on justice and fidelity to the poor as his very garments.  This is a tremendous call for us not to judge by appearances.  We must look beyond mere physical features or circumstances to arrive at a just judgement.  We must listen even to those whom we think we have the right to despise. In his description of himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus gives us the image of how to live in justice.

Teresita Scully, MTS

• Old Testament descriptions of Jesus include (Isaiah 9:6):

o   Wonderful Counselor,

o   Mighty God,

o   Everlasting Father,

o   Prince of Peace

• Isaiah 9:7 tells us he explains his authority,

o   “…He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness.”

• In Isaiah 11:1-5, we read about the “shoot of Jesse” who,

o   “…shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth…”

• In v5 we are told:

o   "Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist and faithfulness the belt around his loins.”

We are exhorted to emulate Jesus in our daily lives.  We are required to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Jesus taught that we should spend our lives “loving” as he did.

·       Psalm 33:5, “He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the Earth is full.”

I encourage you to watch the video here