World Day of Social Justice: February 20, 2015

The United Nations has declared February 20 as World Day of Social Justice. It was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2007:

"The gap between the poorest and the wealthiest around the world is wide and growing... we must do more to empower individuals through decent work support people through social protection, and ensure the voices of the poor and marginalized are heard."
Secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon.

What follows are some quotes from a variety of well-known individuals on the topic of social justice. It is hoped that these will inspire some reflection and call us to action to promote justice and peace.

Quotes by St. Augustine

You give bread to a hungry person; but it would be better were no one hungry, and you could give it to no one. You clothe the naked person. Would that all were clothed, and this necessity did not exist.

Your mission, however, is to prevent the shedding of blood. Yours, therefore, is the privilege of averting that calamity which others are under the necessity of producing.

God made the world for all, but human pride seeks the accumulation of wealth. Although all have the same skin, all do not have the same dress. All were born naked, but now some swim in abundance, while others don't have anything.