Justice
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Justice is the moral
to God and neighbor.” (CCC 1807) In other words, justice is doing
the right thing in relation to God and other people. Of course, one
must have a well-formed conscience in order to know what is the right
thing to do.
In relation to God, the Catechism says, “Justice toward God is called
the ‘virtue of religion.’” And when it comes to conducting our affairs
with others, the Catechism says this: “Justice toward men disposes one
to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the
harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common
good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished
by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct
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toward his neighbor.” (CCC 1807)
The opposite of justice would be injustice. This would be NOT doing
right by another; for instance, not paying a fair wage or giving something
that was due them. Not treating others with the dignity that is due them
would be unjust.
When hearing the word “justice” today, many think of “social justice.”
This is the concept of justice on a larger scale – doing the right thing in
society, especially regarding economic and social matters. The Church
the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2419-2449.
We practice the virtue of justice because we serve a just God. The Catechism
quotes Colossians 4:1 – “Masters, treat your slaves justly and
fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
For further study:
CCC 1807
CCC 2419-2449