Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Bishops ask Catholics to see Christ in immigrants.
Hispanic bishops from 33 different U.S. dioceses thanked immigrants for their contributions to society and called on all Americans to welcome newcomers with respect and Christ-like love.
In a Dec. 12 letter, the bishops expressed their solidarity with those immigrants “who lack proper authorization to live and work in our country” and invited them to participate fully in the life of the Church in America.
Among the signatories of the letter are: Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, and Auxiliary Bishop Alberto Rojas of Chicago.
They recalled how the Holy Family was forced to flee to Egypt, and reminded immigrants of their “infinite value and dignity” as human beings who are made in the “image of God.” - CNA
St. Toribio Romo, pray for us.
A few years ago, I mentioned in a post how the Holy Family were in a sense, not only immigrants, but refugees as well, and online theologians quickly argued against that notion. It is nice to read that the Bishops see a similar reflection in the plight of the Holy Family, identifying it with the plight of the immigrants of today.
I go back and forth on this.
ReplyDeleteTerry,
ReplyDeleteI wish you were closer to Chicago. We would have a fabulous holiday season sitting around drinking cheap wine out of fancy glasses and noshing and laughing about many, many things.
If you're ever in the area...
;)
I have no problems seeing the individual immigrants in that way. However, I am not sure that a policy of just letting everyone in the country no matter what is a wise choice, since it tends to worsen the situation in many ways - unjust hiring practices by those who use illegal labor, and there's also the situation that the attitude the Mexican government has towards it poor is "let them go to America, and we kill 2 birds with one stone - we get rid of poor people AND they send back remittances!"
ReplyDeleteThat said, I try to never look past the humanity of the immigrants I meet, and am able to separate the individual, who is, after all, mostly just looking for a better life for him and his family, from the wider and more troublesome social problems it causes.
I have known and taught lots of people like this, and most of them are as good or better than most Americans I know.
Terry, I'm glad you're feeling better; viruses are the pits.
ReplyDeleteBTW I like the Giotto angels up at the top.
Thanks Melody. Hearing from you always lifts my spirits - sometimes just your name. I'm serious.
ReplyDeleteCathy - I wish I was nearby too - it would be fun to talk.
ReplyDeleteKat - me too.
Merc - thanks - I always appreciate your insight.
"...and there's also the situation that the attitude the Mexican government has towards it poor is "let them go to America, and we kill 2 birds with one stone - we get rid of poor people AND they send back remittances!"...
ReplyDeleteThat is not true.
Mexico First is an excellent program. It helps stabilize Mexican families with children, it encourages life.
Listen to the discourse of the President before the U.S. Congress:
http://youtu.be/PrrqDFBmw4g
(He speaks English).
Coyotes are hardened criminals whose depravity are unfathomable by the average person.
Women are brutally raped repeatedly and men and children are left to die in the desert.
Drug smuggling and other crimes are part of illegal immigration.
Equating immigration with illegal immigration, then comparing it to the Holy Family, is blasphemous and sacrilegious, even if a Bishop does it.
Where the Hell are their brains?
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Pablo - didn't know about that program. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right - the whole of illegal immigration is an evil enterprise. However, most illegals I have met are decent people who only want what's best for their families.
Then again, it comes down to seeing Christ in everyone, not just illegal immigrants.
“…However, most illegals I have met are decent people who only want what's best for their families…”
ReplyDeleteWe both want what’s best, but we don’t go to murderers to get it, then go to Church every Sunday pretending righteousness.
Many of my friends in Mexico have openly declared they are waiting for the old Bracero Program to start up again.
There are some good Christians in Mexico.
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