Jesus said, the days are coming when the last shall be first and the first shall be last. During Advent we need to take those words seriously and ask ourselves whether we are contributing to a just society or whether we are one of those who is contributing to the status quo. The days are coming when there will be justice. The days are coming also, when there will be righteousness. Justice refers to the status of our society.
Righteousness refers to the status of our individual souls.
The days are coming when such a false division will be forever dispelled. Both justice and righteousness are attributes of the kingdom. We do not have the luxury of taking our choice. We have to have both. Many had given up lifeboat seats to allow women and children to make it to safety.