“Righteousness as a mere tributary…”

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

Whatever else the follower of Jesus is meant to think about the plight of migrants on the seas and oceans, it should feel like a life threatening hunger and thirst for righteousness, an inner ache and longing which we call compassion, generosity and respect for each human life. And the cry of the heart to God, is that such hunger be satisfied with the bread of life.

Let Justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like a mighty stream.

"Righteousness as a mere tributary, feeding the immense stream of human interests, is easily exhausted and more easily abused. But righteousness is not a trickle; it is God's power in the world, a torrent, an impetuous drive, full of grandeur and majesty. The surge is choked, the sweep is blocked. Yet the mighty stream will break all dikes.

Justice, people seem to agree, is a principle, a norm, an ideal of the highest importance. We all insist that it ought to be — but it may not be. In the eyes of the prophets, justice is more than an idea or a norm' justice id charged with the omnipotence of God. What ought to be, shall be!"   

A J Heschel, Insecurity of Freedom, (pages 99-100)

Postcard of David Hockney, "The Sermon on the Mount", sent by a work colleague years ago from the London Exhibition