A Story of Justice: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Action

by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA

Imagine walking through a bustling village in ancient Israel during a Jubilee Year. The air buzzes with anticipation as people prepare for a year unlike any other. Debts are forgiven. Land, once lost to misfortune, is restored to its rightful owners. Families separated by servitude reunite. It’s a year of radical justice—a year when relationships are mended, dignity is restored, and society begins anew. The streets hum with a sense of hope and liberation as neighbors embrace, and communities realign themselves with fairness and equity.

Fast forward thousands of years as we celebrate another Jubilee year and prepare to observe the World Day of Social Justice on February 20th.  Like those ancient streets, today’s conversations hum with the urgent need to restore dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all.

The World Day of Social Justice is a global observance that calls us to confront injustices that divide and marginalize: poverty, exclusion, inequality, and violations of human rights. It invites us to remember that these are not just statistics or distant issues—they are stories of real people, and as Catholic Social Justice Teaching reminds us, every person carries the inherent dignity of being created in the image of God.

Connections Across Time

The Jubilee Year and the World Day of Social Justice share more than a spirit of fairness—they demand action. In the Jubilee Year, justice was not a passive ideal but an active practice: debts were canceled, fields lay fallow to give the land rest, and people were given a fresh start. Similarly, World Day of Social Justice urges us to recognize our collective responsibility to address economic and social inequities.

Both traditions remind us that justice is not an optional virtue—it’s a sacred duty, rooted in love and solidarity. And they compel us to ask: how can we be part of this story of restoration?

Action Steps: Living Out Justice Today

Here are tangible ways to honor these traditions and build a more just world:

Support Debt Relief Initiatives: Just as the Jubilee Year canceled debts, advocate for policies that address crushing economic burdens for individuals and nations. Contact lawmakers to support legislation that reduces predatory lending and student loan debt or provides economic relief for low-income communities.

Affirm Human Dignity: Serve at homeless shelters, food pantries, refugee support organizations, or crisis hotlines. Give to nonprofits that provide legal aid, healthcare, or employment services to underserved populations.

Challenge Inequality: Read books, attend community forums, or listen to podcasts about racial, economic, and gender inequality. Shop at minority-owned businesses, cooperatives, and fair-trade organizations. Join or support groups working for fair housing policies, equal pay, and equitable education funding in your area.

Live in Solidarity: Build relationships across divides. Have conversations with people from different backgrounds, especially those who have been historically marginalized. Stand with communities facing injustice—whether attending rallies or offering direct aid.

Advocate for Change: Call, email, or meet with representatives about issues like fair wages, voting rights, and healthcare access. Whether through social media, workplace discussions, or community meetings, speak up on issues that matter.

The Ongoing Call

Just as the Jubilee Year was a time to reset, World Day of Social Justice is an annual reminder that justice is a journey, not a destination. We are called to act, to listen, and to learn. Whether ancient or modern, the message remains the same: dignity and fairness are not privileges for a few—they are the right of every person.

So, as you reflect on this connection between ancient wisdom and contemporary needs, ask yourself:

  • What will my role be in this story of justice?
  • How can I, like the villagers of the Jubilee Year, be part of restoring balance and hope in my community?
  • The work is ongoing, but together, inspired by faith and action, we can build a world that reflects the justice God intends for us all.