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These causes and others like them came to be labeled social justice issues. At their heart lay the increasingly strident insistence that there exist certain indispensable essentials that are the entitlement of every person on earth simply by virtue of their shared humanity. The list of basic human rights includes, but is not limited to, food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education and adequate employment. Certainly they should head every civil government's agenda, but where, if anywhere, does the Church find a place? The foundation for Christianity's involvement in social issues was poured by many of the prophets of the First Testament. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos and others called loudly and often for the fair treatment of the disadvantaged. Jesus was unquestionably familiar with their words. In fact, as we shall see a bit further along, he used Isaiah's social justice platform in the address that launched his own public ministry.

The brusque Letter of James could probably be summarized in a single sentence, "Don't just stand there; do something!" For James, all the devout piety in the world isn't worth much if it isn't backed up by action. This short letter, which is usually attributed to the James who was a blood relative of Jesus, has occasionally been misread to suggest that, if we just put our shoulders to the wheel, we can work our way to heaven. Actually, he does not suggest that at all. Let's allow him to speak for himself: "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves" (Jas 1:22). "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,' and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead" (Jas 2:14-17).

Father, you have given all peoples one common origin. It is your will that they be gathered together as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of mankind with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.