Quite often in the Gospels, Jesus reveals to us in a passing way a very important truth. Thus, a Pharisee's surprise at his behaviour brings forth Jesus' teaching: "If you give what you have as alms, all will be wiped clean for you." While almsgiving is still an important part of Christian living, we may extend the notion to include the concern for justice as the concrete manifestation of that "faith which is operative through love" which Paul speaks of [Galatians 5:6].

Since May 15, 1891, when Pope Leo XIII issued his epoch-making encyclical, "On the Condition of the Working Classes [Rerum Novarum], the Popes have consistently returned to this theme of justice, most recently our present Pope Benedict XVI in his new Encyclical Caritas in Veritate. The Popes mostly speak of social justice, for it is in society that we encounter the most palpable and horrendous forms of injustice.

However, Pope Benedict's insistent linking of truth, charity and justice is a timely reminder that, in all work for social justice, our main concern is the transcendent truth and justice of God which is God's love for us brought to fruition in the Kingdom of Heaven.