Patron of Social Justice
Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!
Proverbs 31:8-9
St. Joseph is called the Patron of Social Justice because of his righteousness. He followed all laws that came from God. He made justice a practical way of living out love for others. He fulfilled his divine assignments because he was a man of justice. St. Joseph was fair to his companions, to his family members, and to society. God guided him in judging what was right and what was wrong, and he stood for right.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to imitate St. Joseph and work for social justice. Our families are the starting point and the center of a vocation for justice. How we treat our parents, spouses and children is a reflection of our commitment to Christ's love and justice. We demonstrate our commitment to the Gospel by how we spend our time and money, and whether our family life includes an ethic of charity, service and action for justice. In the world of business, business owners, managers, and investors face important opportunities to seek justice and pursue peace. Ethical responsibility is not just avoiding evil, but doing right, especially for the weak and vulnerable. Decisions about the use of capital have moral implications: Are they creating and preserving quality jobs at living wages? Are they building up community through the goods and services they provide? Do policies and decisions reflect respect for human life and dignity, promote peace and preserve God's creation? As citizens in the world's leading democracy, Catholics in the United States have special responsibilities to protect human life and dignity and to stand with those who are poor and vulnerable. We are also called to welcome the stranger, to combat discrimination, to pursue peace, and to promote the common good.xx
Working for justice in everyday life is not easy, but we can call on the intercession of our spiritual father, St. Joseph, to help us live our faith in the world in a way that is pleasing to God.
St. Joseph, Patron of Social Justice, pray that we may have a vision of the world as God would have it: a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor, a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.
Daily Challenge
Who do I see as the poor and vulnerable in my life? How do I talk about them and respond to their needs? Examine whether you are living your life conveying a consistent life ethic that aligns with God's plan of justice, with a willingness to make amends.