Be inspired:
Thinking Justice

Reflections on Psalm 85

Connection of heaven and earth

In the cross we can see the meeting of a vertical and a horizontal axis. The vertical axis shows the justice of God faithfully connected to the earth and its people. The horizontal axis represents justice and peace between people on earth. Both belong to a good life.

Non-peace

In Isaiah 24:3-6, the destruction of creation is related to the inhabitants of the earth transgressing laws and breaking the covenant made with God. God is no longer the standard of good action and life, but mankind puts itself first and makes itself the standard.

Preserving creation

In other parts of the Bible, we find a peace and order that comes from God. When God promises peace, He also wants to create peace. And from God’s original creation itself comes the faithfulness that sprouts from the ground, nourished by the righteousness that comes down from heaven. Like rain that waters the ground, which then brings forth food (see Deut. 32:2).

 

Peace can occur

God’s peace is different from a peace built on justice and the order of the world. Creating peace and justice by oneself always comes up against the limits of self-interest at the expense of others. This is the dilemma that the Bible calls sin. But we are not on our own and are gifted with new beginnings where heaven and earth meet. Peace is the unavailable miracle on which we must work with commitment.

Charity