"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they will have their fill."
Justice, in a broad sense of the word, consists in rendering to God what is due Him, and then for love of God giving also to the creature what is due him. In recompense, the Lord gives Himself to us.
This is the perfect order, in perfect obedience that is inspired by love which enlarges the heart.
Blessed are they who desire this justice, even to the extent of hungering and thirsting for it. In a certain sense, they will be filled even in this life by becoming more just and holy. This is a blessed thirst. That we may keep this thirst when sensible enthusiasm falls away, and preserve this hunger and thirst for justice in the midst of contradictions, hinderances, and disillusions, we must receive with docility the inspirations of the gifts of fortitude. This gift prevents us from weakening, from letting ourselves be disheartened, and it lifts up our courage in the midst of difficulties.
In a Christian's action this Hunger and Thirst for Justice should not be accompanied by a bitter zeal toward the guilty. Therefore Christ adds: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
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