On November 30th, the Peace Cathedral marked the beginning of the Advent season by lighting the first Advent candle, dedicated to Justice.
Shota Kurdiani offered a reflection on the meaning of justice and lit the candle together with Giorgi Akhobadze, doctor and civil activist.

Reflection on Justice

The Apostle John writes in his Gospel:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.”
For me, justice is precisely this light — a brightness that gives a person the strength to walk the right path even when complete darkness surrounds them.

Justice may seem like a simple word at first glance, yet its essence is intertwined with our daily lives and extends far beyond legality.

Justice means seeing another’s pain, offering mercy, showing love, and valuing each person for the qualities that make them unique.

For me, justice means caring for one’s neighbor. Yet today, our society is unequal, unjust, and burdened with hardships. We witness violence, poverty, dignity trampled underfoot, and people imprisoned who themselves stand as symbols of freedom and justice.

Today, justice is no longer merely a moral obligation — today, justice means fighting against injustice. Justice is the responsibility of each one of us.

As we light the first Advent candle — the candle of Justice — we remember that truth is stronger than injustice, light stronger than darkness, and love stronger than hatred.

Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ. Let it be so. Let us accept the responsibility that life places upon us and strive to become just people — the “salt of the earth.”

May we light the candle of justice in our hearts and walk its path as a symbol of love, hope, peace, and victory.