THE VIRTUE OF JUSTICE | KAIROS GLOBAL | AUGUST 2026

Author: Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS

Audio:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2b8YeRNm7bc5VJMqipeM6P

Intro: Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS reflects on the common theme between Psalms 82, 15 and 99 – Justice.

Love for man and justice for all are inseparable!

Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbour. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1807). This teaching of the Church reminds us that justice is not merely a legal concept but a moral virtue that governs our relationships with God and with one another. 

Justice is the constant and firm disposition to give God the worship due to Him and to give our neighbour the respect, dignity, truth and charity owed to every human person. It enables us to live rightly, act fairly and seek the good of others.  Justice builds harmony, protects the vulnerable and reflects the very character of God, who is perfectly just in all His ways. 

The Psalms repeatedly proclaim the justice of God and call His people to imitate it. They reveal that justice is not only about external actions but about a heart formed according to God’s righteousness. 

Psalm 82 – Justice that defends the weak 

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute (Psalm 82:3).

Psalm 82 is a powerful call to protect those who are vulnerable. God rebukes those who misuse authority and neglect the poor. Justice here is seen as an active concern for those who cannot defend themselves. 

Justice is presented as ‘protection’ – standing with those whose voices are often ignored.

• Defend those who are treated unfairly or overlooked 

• Show concern for the poor, the weak and the suffering 

• Use your influence and opportunities to help others receive what is rightfully theirs 

Psalm 15 – Justice that lives with integrity 

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart (Psalm 15:2).

Psalm 15 describes the qualities of the person who may dwell in God’s presence.  Integrity, honesty and fairness characterise such a life. Justice begins not in courts or institutions but in the human heart. 

Justice here is presented as ‘integrity’ – living truthfully and treating others with fairness. 

• Speak truthfully and avoid deception in all circumstances 

• Honour your commitments and promises faithfully 

• Treat every person with respect, dignity and fairness 

Psalm 99 – Justice that reflects God’s reign 

Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity (Psalm 99:4).

Psalm 99 celebrates God as the King who loves justice and governs with perfect fairness. His reign is marked by righteousness, holiness and equity. The Psalm invites us to model our lives after the justice of God Himself. 

Justice here is presented as ‘imitation’ – reflecting God’s fairness in our decisions and relationships. 

• Seek fairness rather than personal advantage

• Make decisions guided by truth and conscience 

• Let God’s standards shape your judgments and actions 

This month, let us especially practise the virtue of justice – that gives God His rightful place and treats every person according to the dignity bestowed upon them by the Creator. Justice is love expressed in action, fairness guided by truth and integrity rooted in God.

St John Chrysostom reminds us, ‘Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life.’ True justice therefore goes beyond avoiding wrongdoing; it actively seeks the good of others. 

Through Psalms 82, 15 and 99, we are invited to defend the weak, live with integrity and imitate the justice of God. Justice is not simply about rules; it is about reflecting God’s own righteousness in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. St Ambrose strongly exhorts us to reflect: ‘You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor man, but you are giving him back what is his. You have been appropriating things that are meant to be for the common use of everyone. The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich.’ 

May our life boldly proclaim: Love for man and justice for all are inseparable! God Bless! Live Jesus!