Spirituality Resources

Called to Act Justly

INTRODUCTION
All our ministries are works for justice and peace. What does acting justly mean for us today? As people of faith, are we
acting justly in our ministry with children, adults, and our own families?

SCRIPTURE READING: Micah 6: 6-8

LITANY

LEADER: Lord, you call us to act justly.

ALL: I hear your call and strive earnestly to respond.

LEADER: Lord, you call us to love tenderly.

ALL: I hear your call and strive earnestly to respond.

LEADER: Lord, you call us to walk humbly.

ALL: I hear your call and strive earnestly to respond.

GUIDED REFLECTIONS
It is significant that the first element in the words of Micah is To act justly. This is so because in biblical faith, doing justice
is God’s primary expectation of us. For us as Christian educators, doing justice must permeate all our daily interaction
with those to whom and with whom we minister. Acting justly begins for us by making our schools and parishes centers of
hospitality where all feel welcome and safe. "Doing justice" affirms all people, and honors all people in their uniqueness and their giftedness. When we act justly we make possible the gospel call to love as we are loved. Peace is the fruit of justice,
and all our ministries are a reflection of this truth.

REFLECTIVE LISTENING
"Peace Prayer" by John Foley, S.J.
"Service" by Buddy Ceasar

RITUAL
A suggested ritual might be a simple sharing of a sign of peace.

JOURNALING
Reflect on ways in which you see yourself acting justly—for example:

providing an environment in which trust and acceptance are nurtured
putting appropriate and proper expectations on your students
fostering an attitude of being a learner as well as a teacher with your students.

What are ways in which you reach out to welcome your students and make them feel safe within your school and classroom?

Take time to write about these reflections in your journal. Try to name some specific examples when you responded to the call of the prophet Micah to "act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God."

I respond to Micah’s challenges when I …

Suggested Scripture readings for further reflection:
Luke 9:46-48
Matthew 19:16-30

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