of fairness and justice. We want to be treated equitably. We grow up with aphorisms like "Fair is fair," "Take turns," and "Play by the rules." We appeal to authority (Mom, Dad, teacher, referee, judge) when we think we're being taken advantage of. Our expectation is that justice will prevail.

Civil trials often involve that quest for justice. An aggrieved party seeks an equitable outcome through a judgment against an offender. But justice alone does not guarantee solace. How many times have we heard in the news about a plaintiff who explains that it was not the court judgment that brought peace and resolution. Inevitably, they explain how they have found peace when

they were able to bring themselves to forgive the offender. Many describe how the anger or pain in their hearts continued to interfere with their lives until they could put it aside by being reconciled.

The words of Jesus in the Gospel that "one's life does not consist of possessions" reflect this understanding. While compensatory and punitive damages help relieve an injustice, they do not resolve a situation completely. Only movement toward forgiveness and reconciliation can bring that about. It is not easy to do that, but our Christian experience acknowledges that it can be done, even if it takes years to accomplish. The hope is that we will be "rich in what matters to God" (Luke 12:21).

"But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God."

- Luke 12:20-21