TO THE EDITOR:
Jesus described the goals we should set for ourselves in our daily lives. We have called them the Beatitudes. We are witnessing a true test in our society and around the whole world that should help us to understand how very important these are.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…” (Bible, Mt 5:6,10) Righteousness in our society means a just and moral foundation resulting in respect and defense of the humanity and equality of all.
Witness the multitudes who are expressing the desire for a wider and stronger awareness of the lack of and desperate need for righteousness. They rightly “hunger and thirst for righteousness” in every society. Witness, also, that numerous police and military in righteous behavior stand firm to protect lives and property that are unlawfully threatened. Their righteous protests and duty often results in their being “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” because of the unrighteousness of others, even members of their own groups.
A democracy needs righteous citizens and leaders if it is to find the only path to true peace. Racism, even unintentional, has always contradicted righteousness. True peace in our society has never been achieved.
The majority in each of the groups above are the peacemakers. That is the goal, and in the search for and practice of righteousness is where the answers lie. If only our leaders, politicians and voters would take up the cause.
Ray Hodges, North Scituate
