“The government should not consider a priest who takes a stand for social justice, as a politician, or a subversive element, when he is fulfilling his mission in the politics of the common good”. – Oscar Romero
Oscar Romero was not only a man of love, dignified faith, valor, and hope; he was a man of social justice. social justice is the equal right for every member of society. Oscar knew he had to defend his people and if that meant dying, he was willing to do so.
Oscar Romero was one of the most famous archbishops in the world. He became archbishop of Salvador in 1980, and knew right then he was going to make his people proud by doing whatever possible to gain back their social justice. Romero was a surprise in history. The poor never expected him to take their side and the elites of church and state felt betrayed. He was a compromise candidate elected to head the bishop’s episcopacy by conservative fellow bishops. He was a religious bookworm who was known to criticize the progressive liberation theology clergy so aligned with the impoverished farmers seeking land reform. However, an event would take place within three weeks of his election that would transform the frugal and timid Romero.
Romero’s first leap of social justice began when a both Priest, and friend died. On March 12, 1977, a young boy, an old man, and Rutilio Grande (the Priest) were assassinated as they drove from Aguilares to El Paisnal for evening Mass. When Archbishop Romero arrived that night and saw the bloodstained body of his friend, tears flooded his eyes. In a flash, he realized Rutilio’s prophetic work for justice and peace was right, that Rutilio, not himself had been faithful to the Gospel. It was at that turning point that Romero knew he had to be faithful to the Gospel and bring back social justice to his people. He knew he had to stop hating the guerrillas and start loving them. Like the saying, “Don’t hate the sinner, hate the sin” that’s exactly what Romero demonstrated.
The Essay on Justice Social Laws People
Justice Every action or decision we make is either justifiable or unjustifiable. Justice is usually decided by society or the 'norm.' The 'norm' changes from one society to another. However, there are always laws that can be broken, consequences that must follow, and punishment that must be imparted. Justice can be seen in two different ways, social and criminal. Justice is in the eye of the ...
Romero both lived and died one night in 1985. His nonviolent struggle for justice for his people kept him going. His life message was a call to conversion, solidarity with the poor and a speaking of truth to power. He proclaimed life when the system around him demanded death. He announced peace when the government and the guerrillas waged war. He exuded hope when despair ruled the day. Because of this magnitude of spirit, he lives on in every Christian who enters God’s nonviolent struggle for justice.
Oscar Romero was not only a gift from God, but also a gift for millions. Without his love, compassion, strong faith, and drive for social justice, there would be many more Salvadorians killed. Romero believed everyone deserved social justice and that’s exactly what he fought for.