"Just yesterday, I was just just, just as he was." The preceding sentence contains grammatically correct English. It shows the many usages of the word "just." The sentence can be more clearly stated: "As recently as yesterday, I was merely fair, exactly as he was." The English word "just" is just plain confusing.

Similarly, throughout the history of Christianity, most notably from the time of the Protestant Reformation, the words "just," "justice," and "justification" have been taught and understood in ways that are confusing. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the truth (Jn 16:13) about justice by prayerfully meditating on the following truths:

• God is just.
• "Both law and prophets bear witness" to God's justice (Rm 3:21).
• The justice of God "works through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe" (Rm 3:22).
• "All men are now undeservedly justified by the gift of God, through the redemption wrought in Christ Jesus" (Rm 3:24).
• "You must perceive that a person is justified by his works and not by faith alone" (Jas 2:24).

After praying about these Scriptures, look up grace, faith, and justice in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (see the Catechism's index for help). Let the Spirit teach you (Jn 14:26) about justice (Jn 16:8, 10).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 12, 2017

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