If You Want Peace, Work for Justice: From Words into Action

If You Want Peace, Work for Justice: From Words into Action – I was struggling to decide what kind of rule of law theme I wanted to discuss during Easter because it seemed important to say something on one of the highest Holy Days of the year for Christians.  And then I thought about Pope John Paul’s message:  “If you want peace, work for justice,” or, as I used to hear when I was working in Colombia, “Si quieras la Paz; trabaja por la Justicia.”  (beautiful in Spanish!)

I have tried to live out my professional life according to this saying.  I learned early on that the desire for fundamental fairness is written on our hearts.  Even in the worst conflict environments, or amongst the most incorrigible individuals, when you peel back the layers, there is a sense of grievance and injustice that hasn’t been addressed.  All of the world’s great religions contain justice as one of their core themes, and throughout human history, we have struggled to balance our baser instincts with the knowledge that without justice, there is no peace.  And in my world, without the rule of law, there is not justice.

So I want to challenge us all – what are we each doing to foster justice in our own communities and work?  How are we addressing the grievances of those around us?  Are we demonstrating mercy, compassion, empathy, or are we just assuming injustice away and dismissing the hurts of some as less important than others?   Are we actively working to make peace, or are we satisfied with mere words?

If you want peace, work for justice -- make these more than words.