Every February 20 we celebrate, as an international community, the World Day of Social Justice. World Day of Social JusticeThis day, proclaimed by the United Nations, reminds us of something very simple and at the same time very demanding: there can be no peaceful world without justice for all.
In a world marked by growing inequalities, poverty, forced migrations and a serious socio-environmental crisis, this date invites us to look reality in the face and ask ourselves what place we occupy in it and invites us to “seriously” renew personal, community and institutional commitments.
As Daughters of Jesus, this call fully connects with our desire to live an incarnated faith, committed to the dignity of people and to the construction of a more humane future.
What situations of injustice do you see most clearly around you today? Which ones affect you most inside?
Social justice also means decent work and shared future
The United Nations insists that social justice necessarily involves decent work for all people, especially women and young people. This is recalled in the 2009 General Assembly Resolution, which calls for a fairer globalization, where decent employment, social protection and equal opportunities are a real priority and not just a discourse. In a context of globalization that generates opportunities, but also exclusion and precariousness, an integrated approach is essential to combat poverty, reduce inequalities and strengthen social cohesion.
This year’s message also focuses on the just transition to sustainable economic models. It is urgent to take care of the planet, and to do so while ensuring that this process does not leave the most vulnerable behind. The ecological transformation will only be genuine if it generates opportunities, reduces inequalities and puts people at the center.
What kind of future are we supporting with our daily decisions? Who is left out when we don't think about justice globally?
Weaving networks of care: a congregational priority and a commitment that involves us
The GCXIX of the Daughters of Jesus invites us to weave networks of care, from the awareness that we are part of the same human family. This encourages us to collaborate with others, to join forces and to commit ourselves especially to those who live in situations of exclusion: migrants, refugees, displaced persons and impoverished communities.
Care for the common home is an inseparable part of this option. Inspired by Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti, we recognize that the social crisis and the ecological crisis are deeply connected and call us to a personal, communitarian and institutional conversion.
What networks of care already exist in your environment? How could you get involved in a concrete way, even with small gestures?
Presence, hope and small steps
The peripheries of the world – geographic and existential – continue to grow in our world. Faced with the culture of discarding and the stagnation of social equity, as Daughters of Jesus we want to be there, to be present, to accompany processes and to sow hope, even if only as a small mustard seed.
To celebrate the World Day of Social Justice is, for us, to renew our desire to incarnate the living presence of Christ in the midst of the injustices of our time, walking alongside others, and committing ourselves to a transformation that puts people and the care of life at the center.
What concrete step do you feel called to take today so that social justice becomes something lived and not just a proclaimed ideal?
