World Day of Social Justice 2020
The 20 February has been the UN observance known as World Day of Social Justice since 2009. The purpose of the day is to focus on issues of social injustice and to advocate for solutions.
The World Day of Social Justice encourages us to recognise the need tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, employment, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all. Social justice, equality and equity constitute the fundamental values of all societies. The theme for this year is “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice.”
Through Catholic Social teaching we know that we are all made in the image of God and so possess an equal and inalienable worth. Because of this essential dignity, every person has a right to all that is needed to allow them to live their full potential as intended by God.
It is not possible to live in the world and be unaware of the numerous social injustices that people experience every day. As Catholics and as Christians, we know that the call to ‘love our neighbours as ourselves’ and address injustice is part of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Responding to this call is not always easy. It can be overwhelming when we witness the extent of the pain, suffering and violence in the world today. It is tempting to focus instead on self-preservation and comfort. The complexity of the issues at hand may leave us feeling disempowered.
Remember, justice is rooted in God’s mission and his overflowing love for all people. Therefore, we don’t need to become anxious, but rather we simply need to listen to the Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on this journey.
It is also comforting to remember that we do not follow God on our own, but in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ. There is safety and strength in this community.
Be encouraged to share what God is doing in your heart with your fellow human beings and engage with them in dialogue and prayer as you take this journey toward a more just society and a more just world.