Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. The quasi-integral parts of justice are the directivesinvolved in the exercise of justice, namely, "do good,"and "avoid evil." These directives of the natural lawindicate what is requisite for the act of justice. They aretherefore called "parts" or "quasi-parts" ofjusticeitself. Justice seeks equality of good between a manand God, a man and his neighbors as individuals, a man and hiscommunity. Now, "doing good" sets up this equality;"avoiding evil" saves the equality already set up.
2. Transgression violates the rule of "avoidevil." It is an act against a negative precept, a preceptwhich says, "Thou shalt not," or has the force of suchprohibition.
3. Omission violates the rule of "dogood." It is the failure to obey a positive precept.
4. Usually, it is easier to avoid evil than to stironeself to do good. Therefore, it is usually a graver sin totransgress than to omit, since one may, with the smaller effort,refrain from transgression.
"O Lord, my God, who will seek you with simple and pure love, and not find that you are all one can desire, for you show yourself first and go out to meet those who seek you?
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St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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"There is nothing which gives greater security to our actions, or more effectually cuts the snares the devil lays for us, than to follow another person’s will, rather than our own, in doing good."
St Philip Neri
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"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP
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