Listen

“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.”

Matthew 5:9

Think

There’s a phrase that people sometimes chant during protests: “No justice, no peace.” It means that there won’t be peace until there is justice for everyone. Injustice creates hardship and pain because people around us don’t have what they need or are treated poorly. Justice means that everyone’s needs are met.

When Jesus says, “Happy are people who make peace,” or “Blessed are the peacemakers,” it’s a reminder to practice justice. The way to bring peace is to make sure everyone is cared for and has what they need. Peace and justice go together, just like the chant says.

Practice justice today by paying attention to needs around you. How can you help those in your school or community dealing with food insecurity? How can you be a friend to someone who is lonely? How can you care for creation? What other needs do you notice?

It can feel like the needs are too big, and the injustice is overwhelming. Individually, we can’t fix everything, but we can do our part. Every small act of justice helps make peace.

Laura Edgar

Question to Ponder:

Why do you think justice and peace go together?

Pray

God, thank you for calling me to work for peace. Help me to see the needs and injustices around me. Today, I pray for the injustice I see…

Show me how to help.

Amen.

Go

Do justice: pay attention to the needs around you.

Love kindness: take action in big and small ways to help others.

Walk humbly: be confident in God’s love for you, and remember God’s love for everyone.