I love the concept of “Common Wealth” and how it relates to justice.
In our times, we more often than not see the two words “common” and “wealth” combined into the one word “commonwealth”.
Keeping the words separate, gives me a better understanding of the concept that the “common wealth” is a set of resources owned by by everyone and shared equally by a group for their common good.
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Part of the things that I am thinking about is racism — especially how the concepts of race and justice go together.
I’m thinking about this because at this time in the history of our country, racism is a subject that we are struggling to deal with.
This struggle is brought to light by current social events that seem always to be reported with some hint of racism. Phrases like “white policeman” and “black criminal” as well as “Indian immigrant” and “white privilege” are phrases that you hear as part of just about every news story on television and radio. I hear phrases like “my Indian friend” or “black friends”. This makes me uncomfortable. I think that phrases and reporting like this sometimes makes a bad situation worse.
I remember some years ago, someone telling me not to try and “boil the ocean” and set yourself up to do an impossible task all at once.
And so it is with acts of justice.
It’s easy for us to think when we read of hungry people, displaced families, or a low-functioning legal system, that the best way for us to restore justice is by executing on a large, integrated plan involving lots of people and lots of money.
That’s why some see problems related to injustice and absolutely impossible to solve. They see the solution as impossible.
But, just like a journey that begins with a single step, so, often does justice.
If that’s the case, then an effective way to proceed is one small step followed by another — all moving toward the same goal. Want to combat the injustice of hunger? Start by providing a meal for someone in need. Want to combat the injustice of prostitution and sex slavery? Find a local shelter and volunteer one day a week.
It’s when all of the single small tasks are combined toward a larger goal that justice gets done and the world becomes a better place.
OK!!