Justice, dignity, and the courage to speak out

By 
Fr Stephan Alexander

General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in the Bible. That means the principles of CST have a biblical foundation. These principles ultimately aim to guide us, the people of God, toward salvation through their application in everyday life.

Now, why is that important for us to know? It’s important because the major principles of CST are binding on Catholics. That means we are obligated to respect these guiding principles, and our failure to apply them in our daily lives may lead us to commit a grave or mortal sin.

That’s because the one who knows His master’s wishes but doesn’t carry them out will be punished. However, be mindful that those who are unaware of the master’s wishes will also be penalised if their action, or failure to act, warrants it (Lk 12:47-48). What’s that, you ask? How can I be held accountable if I don’t know?

The truth is, we cannot claim total ignorance. All of CST is drawn from Scripture, and even limited exposure to the Bible offers some awareness of how to live it out. For instance, many know Matthew 25:40, which identifies our treatment of others with our treatment of God, urging us to respect every person’s dignity and pursue the common good.

Even without formal study, CST’s principles align with values we instinctively recognise, such as courtesy, cordiality, right relationships, and respect for others. As the old saying goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church identifies five major CST principles binding on all Catholics:

(1) The pursuit of the common good in a spirit of service

(2) The development of justice with particular attention to situations of poverty and suffering

(3) Respect for the autonomy of earthly realities

(4) The principle of subsidiarity (matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest or least centralised competent authority)

(5) The promotion of dialogue and peace in the context of solidarity.

The building block upon which these five are constructed is the principle of the intrinsic dignity (worth) of every human being. These are the guiding principles intended to inspire our social activities.

On Friday, August 8, these principles were vividly lived out. That day, many in our nation learned of the death of six-year-old Jasher Francois. His grieving parents turned to social media, to highlight the circumstances of his death and demand justice. Their outcry struck a deep chord, and citizens responded by sharing the video widely.

Some might question whether sharing a video is an act of faith, justice, or CST. But the Gospel for that Friday could not have been more fitting: “The Son of Man will reward each one according to his behaviour” (Mt 16:27).

In this case, the behaviour was a public stand for truth and justice. Whether by sharing the video, contacting authorities, or raising the alarm in other ways, citizens acted in solidarity with a suffering family      and in defence of the common good.

The result was swift. Within hours of the video appearing online, an independent investigation into Jasher’s death was announced. This was the first part of justice: an acknowledgement by those in authority that the matter required truth-finding, accountability, and possible reform.

Several simple yet decisive actions made this possible. Most importantly, Jasher’s parents showed extraordinary courage by making their story public. This was a striking example of the principle of subsidiarity. Here, the “most immediate authority” was not a government department, but ordinary citizens—a mother, a father, and their family—who acted at the level available to them.

By speaking out, they set in motion the larger mechanisms of justice. It is a reminder that CST must be lived out, and even the smallest action can have a great impact when guided by truth and compassion.

Jasher’s death prompts us to confront injustice, feel moved by suffering, and allow the plight of others to become our own concern.

May his memory call us to live out CST with courage, urgency, and compassion, until “justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

May peace and consolation be granted to his parents and family.

The CCSJ asks for your support. Please donate:

Catholic Commission for Social Justice

Account #: 290 458 025 501

Bank: Republic Bank Ltd.

or you can contact us at

admin.ccsj@catholictt.org

Photo by Melany Rochester on Unsplash