A Call to Hunger for Justice
“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.” - Matthew 5:6, Douay-Rheims
Justice, at its heart, is to give each person his due. When I meditate on this Beatitude, I am reminded of The Sinner’s Guide by Venerable Louis of Granada, a book that shaped my understanding of justice and our duties toward God, neighbour, and self. Justice is not merely a social or legal concept; it is a profound virtue that touches every aspect of our lives, both spiritual and practical.
Justice Toward God: Worship as Our First Duty
The first and most fundamental form of justice is owed to God. As creatures, we owe our Creator worship, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, repentance, and our very presence before Him. God, who has given us life, goodness, and every blessing, deserves our acknowledgment and reverence.
Venerable Louis of Granada emphasizes that worship is not optional but a matter of justice. To fail to give God His due is not simply neglect but injustice. When we attend Mass, adore the Blessed Sacrament, pray the Rosary, or even whisper a prayer of thanksgiving, we are fulfilling an essential part of justice. God, in turn, pours out blessings and graces upon those who seek Him.
This is why the Catechism reminds us that the virtue of religion disposes us to have this attitude of justice toward God. (CCC 2095) Justice toward God is the foundation of righteousness.
Justice in Society: Giving to Caesar and Giving to God
Christ Himself taught: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21) This principle reminds us that justice requires respecting lawful authority and fulfilling our civic responsibilities. Whether it is paying taxes, contributing to the common good, or respecting the dignity of those in leadership, we owe a certain duty to our country, our communities, and our workplaces.
Justice at work might mean honouring deadlines, being honest in our dealings, respecting our colleagues, and giving our best effort. In business dealings, we will always be tempted to cut corners or compromise integrity. Yet, true justice demands honesty, fairness, and uprightness — even when it is difficult.
Justice in the Family: Presence, Love, and Support
Justice also extends to the family. One of the greatest crises in today’s world is the breakdown of family life. Justice within the family means giving our spouses, children, and parents their due: our love, our time, our presence, our apologies, and our support.
Some of the simplest expressions of justice in family life are the most powerful: sharing meals together at the dinner table, praying as a family, saying “sorry” when we hurt each other, and showing up for each other’s important moments.
As someone from a large Catholic family, I cherish memories of all 14 of us going to Mass together, praying the Rosary in unison, and sharing dinners. My mother, with her deep attentiveness, gave each of us time despite the busyness. She knew our personalities, our strengths, and our weaknesses, adjusting her parenting to each child. That kind of loving justice within the home builds strong families and, by extension, strong societies.
Hunger for Righteousness: Doing What Is Right
Some translations render Matthew 5:6 as: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Righteousness is closely tied to justice — it is the desire to do what is right, to live in right relationship with God and with others.
Recently, I took a motivational test that revealed one of my top motivators was “doing things right.” I have been pondering this deeply. From childhood, many of us learned to please our parents by doing what they liked. This habit often extends into adulthood, where we try to please others to gain approval. But doing what pleases others is not always doing what is right.
True righteousness requires discernment. We need to learn what is truly good — not merely popular or pleasing — by seeking guidance from the Church, learning from the Saints, and spending time in prayer and spiritual direction. This is not always easy. Often, the right thing is the harder thing. But the promise of Christ is clear: if we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we shall be filled. God will reward those who seek His will.
Strength in Trials: Christ and Our Lady as Models
Living justly will inevitably bring trials. In our work, we may face temptations to dishonesty. In our families, we may struggle with selfishness or conflict. In our spiritual lives, we may battle discouragement and distraction.
But we are not alone. Christ on the Cross is our model of perfect justice — giving everything for our salvation. Our Lady, who stood steadfast at the foot of the Cross, is our model of courage and fidelity. When we face challenges in living justly, we can draw strength from Christ’s sacrifice and Mary’s intercession.
Justice and Eternal Fulfilment
Why does Christ say that those who hunger and thirst for justice will “have their fill”? Because the ultimate fulfilment of justice is union with God in Heaven. Justice leads us to live rightly on earth so that we may be prepared for eternal life.
Every time we choose to worship God, to act honestly, to be present to our family, or to seek righteousness even when it is hard, we are being conformed more closely to Christ. We are becoming the kind of people ready to enjoy His presence forever.
Conclusion: A Call to Hunger for Justice
This Advent and in every season, let us examine our lives in the light of this Beatitude. Do I give God His due in prayer and worship? Do I live with integrity in my work and society? Do I give my family my love, presence, and support? Do I hunger and thirst not for approval but for righteousness?
Justice is not abstract. It is lived daily – in worship, in service, in relationships, and in personal choices. To hunger and thirst for justice is to long for God’s will in all things, and Christ promises we shall be satisfied.
May we, like Queen Esther, St Joan of Arc, and Our Lady, live courageously and justly, knowing that with God’s grace, we will be filled with blessings now and joy forever in eternity.
“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.”
Jacqueline Clovis is a certified life coach with a background in psychology and management. She empowers women and children to thrive through purpose, mindset, and well-being coaching all from a Catholic perspective. She is the Creator of the Thrive Model and 4 Steps to Align with God’s Design, she offers faith-based programs for women and parents. Follow her: @determinedtothrive_ and @shethriveswithpurpose.