because all those longings
for justice, peace, and well-being
that we experience on earth
become realized for us
if we enlighten them with Christian hope.
We know that no one can go on forever,
but those who have put into their work
a sense of very great faith,
of love of God,
of hope among human beings,
find it all results in the splendors of a crown
that is the sure reward of those who labor thus,
cultivating truth, justice,
cultivating truth, justice,
love, and goodness on earth.
Such labor does not remain here below
but, purified by God’s Spirit,
is harvested for our reward."
~Oscar Romero, Martyr, March 24, 1980
