The subject of justice has always held a deep fascination for me. Yet, it wasn’t until my ordination ceremony in 2017 that I began to understand why. This was a pivotal moment. I stood before the presbytery when the minister asked me a question. It struck a profound chord within me: “Do you have a justice calling on you?” From there, an extraordinary blessing unfolded, one framed not only in human terms but in divine imagery.
After the ordination service, the presbytery minister asked me some thoughtful questions and then prayed over me, surrounding the moment with a sense of reverence and blessing. The minister spoke of an angel standing beside me, its hands holding the iconic scales of justice. This ethereal vision carried weight far beyond its symbolism. It was a declaration. It was like a mantle of purpose being placed upon my shoulders. The words spoken that day resonated with clarity: I was being called to render justice with wisdom and righteousness.
In that moment, I didn’t fully comprehend the weight of what was being asked. The meaning of a calling toward justice was just beginning to reveal itself to me, and although I sensed its depth, I couldn’t yet grasp its full significance. My interest in justice had always been present, but I’d never actively pursued it in any formal sense. I realized this path would sometimes be uncomfortable, and the minister was clear that not everyone would agree with my choices. Still, those choices would be anchored in fairness and integrity.
What came next was an invocation that deeply moved my spirit. The angelic presence appeared not just as a symbol, but as a companion and guide, leading me through new and unfamiliar dimensions of spiritual discernment. It was a summons to stretch my vision beyond logic and intellect, to welcome God’s ways and insights that surpass human understanding. As this mantle of justice was symbolically placed upon me, I felt the vastness of the responsibility before me—a calling that could only be fulfilled through partnership with the Divine, far beyond my own capabilities.
The minister’s prayer centered on refining my vision, asking that true wisdom and discernment would flow not from simple human reasoning, but from a deep connection with the Divine. Their words painted justice as more than an abstract idea—it was a living, dynamic force in my life. Through their invocation, I sensed I was being equipped to judge righteously, guided by fairness and love. The prayer also offered an important reminder: seeking justice is not about receiving recognition or approval from others, but about remaining steadfast in the ways of righteousness. As Jesus said in John 7:24, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
As the moment grew more profound, the minister saw another image take shape: a key nestled in my heart. I sensed that this key was meant to open deeper realms of love—a love that mirrors the very heart of the Father. In this light, justice became more than balance; it was an outpouring of compassion and divine love. Such love has the power to look past flaws and limitations, offering grace that transforms lives.
This encounter profoundly reshaped how I perceive justice. I began to see justice not simply as the act of measuring right and wrong, but as an invitation to join God in extending fairness rooted in Biblical truth. Administering justice means doing so with wisdom, gentleness, and humility, allowing spiritual insight to guide each choice. Every decision must be anchored in a love that reflects God’s own heart. Even when the journey is challenging, we are called to trust that God’s clarity and righteousness will ultimately shine through.
To me now, justice is more than an ideal—it is a sacred calling. Wearing this mantle means accepting the responsibility to serve others faithfully, to seek discernment, and to hold firmly to the truth. Walking this path is an act of faith, one that asks for a heart open to divine direction and a steadfast commitment to measure everything by the standard of love.
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 