As we enter Holy Week this Sunday it is important for us to reflect on the mission of Jesus.

Some scholars have argued that Jesus was a political liberator who sought to free his people from Roman oppression; others have said he was a religious reformer since he challenged the Scribes and Pharisees on their understanding of the Law.

The best answer, however, one in keeping with sound Jewish scholarship, is that Jesus was an eschatological (pertaining to end times) prophet who announced the imminence of God's kingdom.

The word “kingdom” immediately implies a certain vision of the world, how the world should be, a world configured according to the values of the gospel.

In this world love, forgiveness and charity are indispensable values, but so are justice and peace. The Church today, as a sign of her commitment to the building up of the kingdom, is therefore deeply involved in justice and peace issues.

In China and Russia , Africa and India , South America and the Caribbean , the Church is involved in the struggle for justice and peace. This is not accidental.

Since Jesus saw a lot of injustice in his time and was himself a victim of violence and injustice – I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle (Today's first reading) – the Church must have a commitment to justice.

Events of the past few weeks make us concerned about justice in the nation. The signs have not been good and the man or woman in the street has been reinforced in thinking that there is one justice for the rich and one for the poor. In case of doubt one only has to look at the inside of our prisons; its inmates are poor, black, illiterate, and often mentally ill.

Avoidance of favouritism

Furthermore, the nexus of wealth, social standing and political influence often undermine the cause of justice since one group can appeal to the other for help in a way the poor people cannot. The net result is that justice is not seen to be done and so is perhaps not done.

This perception only generates anger by the socially disadvantaged and ultimately leads to more crime and violence in society. It is therefore incumbent on the dispensers of justice to avoid the appearance of favouritism.

High-profile cases must not be given preference over cases of lower profile unless it is clearly a matter of national importance.

Many persons are waiting for years to have their cases heard. These involve people who have been on remand for many years. Anyone charged for indictable offences, irrespective of social standing, must also do their time in remand.

Remand, of course, must not be too long for then it becomes a case of “justice delayed is justice denied.” But remand must not become a burden only the poor bear. This equality before the law is a necessary ingredient of a developed society.

A society that is economically developed but whose justice system is disproportionately stacked against the poor is a society that is morally and legally underdeveloped. All religion is uncompromising on this point.

As we journey into Holy Week, let us meet Jesus – Saviour, Lord and master, but also the afflicted one and victim of injustice.