October 14.  Mr Thomas was a criminal lawyer with a reputation for integrity.  One day he shared, “It is really difficult in a court case when one has to defend a person who you suspect is guilty. But he has the right of a defence.  Sometimes I would rather be a prosecutor, or maybe the judge, who has to do his or her best to get at the truth and then give a fair judgement, even a merciful one.  Most of us want to cover up whatever we can?  The Pharisees, scribes and lawyers of Jesus’ day were not so different from our time, don’t you agree?” 

Scripture:  Jesus began to speak, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy.  Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known.” Luke 12:1-7 . Pope Francis:  Justice is a fundamental concept for civil society which is meant to be governed by the rule of law. A vision of justice as strict observance of the Law has not infrequently led to legalism by distorting the original meaning of justice and obscuring its profound value. MV 20     we cannot fail to mention that seeking and pursuing the good of others and of the entire human family implies helping individuals and societies to mature in the moral values that foster integral human development.  FT112