Justice is about right relationships. We seek to serve and be served. In Matthew 25, we find examples of opportunities to be involved in wholesome mutual relationships. In fact, Christ emphatically states where we are to find him. It is important to notice that this passage directly follows the parable of the talents. As we develop and share our God given gifts and talents, we are transformed in our efforts to seek change with others.

Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your heritage
the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry, and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you made me welcome,
lacking clothes and you clothed me,
sick and you visited me,
in prison and you came to see me.
Matthew 25, 34-36

Even if we do not recognize Christ in these situations, he assures us of his presence. In our efforts to live as Christ, we are called to:

Feed the hungry. When people are hungry we provide food that is prepared with the love of our hearts and given with a generous spirit. We offer food that is nutritious and safe. In our speech and gentle manner we can express the value we have for each person. In return we are nourished because we helped to satisfy the hungers in others: whether of body, heart or mind. In our schools and in our communities we teach and practice good farming. We also advocate for policies that protect the rights of farmers around the world. We are concerned that farmers receive adequate wages and are protected from harmful pesticides.

Give drink to the thirsty

We give drink to those who need good, clean water. We also help persons who thirst for a sense of meaning in their lives and who long for God. We share our drink of what is meaningful in our lives. In a practical way, we advocate for safe drinking water and an adequate supply of water to meet all of our needs. We are concerned that the common good is respected when corporations erect hydro-electric plants for their personal gain without regard for the common good.

Welcome the stranger

We welcome persons on the margins and invite them to feel at home. We listen to their stories and encourage in them a sense of being important to us. We care personally for immigrants, refugees and the victims of trafficking. In this way we are reminded to befriend what is a stranger within ourselves and to recognize our own desires to belong and to be a vital part of a community. We also advocate for policies to enable these persons who are considered strangers, to have a better quality of life in our countries.

Clothe the naked

We offer clothing for protection in inclement weather conditions and for a sense of well-being. We provide options for the poor so that they can chose the clothing they desire. We launder clothing, sew, and teach sewing skills. We realize that our clothing can speak of what is important in our hearts. We attend to our simplicity of life style. We advocate for healthy factory conditions for workers who make our clothes and for their just wages.

Visit the sick

We attend to the needs of the sick and help to bind up their wounded body and heart. We receive into our hearts, persons who are sick physically, mentally or psychologically. We are sensitive to the needs of healthcare through our personal relationships with patients and their relatives. Within our institutions we work with our associates to provide quality care. Our skills and listening hearts create a greater capacity to become ourselves though our interactions with others. Our advocacy encompasses a respect for life in all phases from conception to natural death. We also advocate for the sharing of medications that help to stop the spread of such diseases as AIDS, malaria and TB.

See the imprisoned

We visit those who are imprisoned in any way through wrong decisions, lack of knowledge, or no opportunities for a better quality of life. Persons can be personally imprisoned by being labeled, stereotyped and because no one believes in their potential. In ourselves, we find ways to become personally freer as we reach out to help free others from their limitations and oppression. Our schools, various training programs and spirituality centers help to develop and enrich the lives of others. As we exercise our rights, we are also concerned that others may have similar rights. We advocate against the death penalty and for healthy prison conditions and rehabilitation opportunities.