Seekers of truth, doers of justice

Eva Rodriguez-Diaz
2 days ago
2 min read

"Get out of your comfort zone" is a phrase often heard, but what does it mean to step out of it?

For those of us who identify as followers of Mary Ward, this involves more than changing some of our habits or the brands we buy in the supermarket. Stepping out of our comfort zone - based on the charism of Mary Ward, a woman who walked across Europe to serve her Sisters/friends, challenged the ecclesiastical hierarchy of her time, and was imprisoned for it - definitely involves much more.

Stepping out of our comfort zone, for those of us who consider ourselves followers of Mary Ward, involves walking the path of justice, knowing that we will cause discomfort. We will stop receiving pats on the back and applause; we might be singled out as annoying. It means raising our voices, denouncing and demanding change of those who practise dishonesty and injustice. But above all, it means abandoning individual comfort to consider collective comfort and privileges equitably, encompassing all aspects and spaces in which we move, such as family, work team, neighbourhood, school, etc.

For Mary Ward's followers, leaving our comfort zone means not only talking about justice but being an example of justice. This must be an integral part of our lives as members of Mary Ward's ‘Circle of Friends’, now and in the years to come, making justice a reality that increasingly takes hold in our lives as a community and as a society.

We can continue to demand justice from our leaders. However, all those demands will remain empty without the ability to live justice in every small action and connection, making it a reality in the smallest everyday expressions. "Being seekers of truth and doers of justice" is a conscious and determined daily attitude.

In my work accompanying migrants, displaced people, and refugees, I have learned that justice is practised and brought to life in the smallest of settings.

Therefore, when I think about what I would like for my work in 10 years, my wish is that the type of work I do will no longer be necessary. It will no longer be required to work towards seeking justice for those who are excluded but ensuring their rights are respected, and that they are treated fairly. The necessary inequalities will be reduced because by 2035 we will have learned to be better and more just human beings.

Reflection questions:

Where is the point, I am being asked to move beyond talking and instead focus on being an example of justice?
What would need to happen in the world in order for my work to become unnecessary by 2035?