12/18/2025
The main theme of Advent is the Second Coming of Jesus. With this event, will come justice for the world. Most of the time, we like the idea of justice rather than the reality. We always want justice for others, but mercy for ourselves! But what is justice?
According to one source, the definition is the quality of being just, impartial or fair. Often we hear children saying that they aren't being treated fairly when the older child gets more, or the younger child gets away with something. We also complain. Do we think it's fair when bad things happen to good people or good things happen to "bad" people? How many times have you heard that or similar complaint? Why did that person get the promotion and not me? You get it. Justice always depends on who is doing the talking. God is the ultimate judge, the ultimate one to dispense justice. And we may not like God's decision.
How many times have we prayed the Our Father in which we say that we agree to be forgiven as we forgive others? Do we mean it? I somehow doubt it – myself included! I firmly believe in a merciful God who will understand that I have tried to do the best I could even though I sometimes failed. Do we work to get justice for all, or only for those we like? Sometimes, justice for others might involve spending more money so that others might have a better life. Do we vote according to our pocketbooks?
This, "What's in it for me?" attitude can prevent others from being treated justly. Jesus will bring us justice, but I'm not sure we will all like the outcome.
