Day 29: Shadows

BY CARLOS RODRIGUEZ | March 29, 2017
Today’s Readings

Today’s reading during the fourth week of Lent sets a challenge: To those in darkness: Show yourselves!”

As an Undocumented immigrant, I have felt the loneliness, fear, and sadness that this status has placed on my person. Many of us have used this darkness as a tool for our own protection, but during these unpredictable times, we, immigrants and refugees, must act and face the light.

For the privileged: step out of the obscurity of idleness and use your power and resources to aid those asking for assistance. I must ask that we all recognize that this is a country of immigrants that has displaced our indigenous communities.

In today’s Gospel reading Jesus proclaimed, “I cannot do anything on my own.” In reflection, I have found that uncertain times call us to act, but during urgent, tumultuous times, we tend to act alone. We must, however, move and gather in community in order ensure the inclusion of those most in need.

With bravery and courage, speak out and help those in fear.

Extend your open arms to those fleeing war and poverty or those deserting political turmoil, even in this country.

Shelter and feed those seeking a new life and nurture their dreams and eagerness to begin a new life in a new country.

Help those hiding in the shadows, and you will see how you have adopted the teachings of Christ through these acts.

Only together can we move to make the teachings of Christ come alive and make meaningful change.

6 replies
  1. Kevin
    Kevin says:

    We have a dellema. The USA has provided well more than half the charity done in the world. The destruction of our country is becoming a reality. Anarchy is becoming more prevalent. Anarchy is the breaking of the law without sanction. Who decides which laws can be broken. If we disagree with them can we ignore them and break the law anyways .

    Reply
  2. Maria de Lourdes Lopez Munguia
    Maria de Lourdes Lopez Munguia says:

    Being in the shadows is n awful feeling… But maybe when I chose to live in the shadows with my immigrant sisters and brothers being myself an immigrant gave the opportunity to fully understand the fear of the law enforcement and the profound abandon in God’s hands… I think it is not only to be together, but to be united in God’s hands

    Reply
  3. Anthony
    Anthony says:

    My parents immigrated from Italy, legally. They had nothing when they came, and could not speak English. They also lived here through the great depression and 2 world wars. I have great sympathy for those escaping poverty who cross our boarder illegally, and who obey our laws while attempting to carve out a life here for themselves and their families. I also feel that we should do everything we can within our means to help them with shelter, health care, nourishment, education so they can become productive members of our society. But my sympathies do not extend to those who come here and do not respect our laws. These should be captured, punished, rehabilitated to the extent possible, and returned to the places they came from, and not allowed to illegally cross our boarders again.

    Reply
  4. valerie sifleet
    valerie sifleet says:

    So I did take in an immigrant in need, and would again,but help me get my head around; I’m poor myself and this person, and one or two others I’ve met, looking not just to get by but the widescreen tv, the junk food, the central heating when an extra sweater is what I do… Offered farm laborer help, it wasn’t that he wanted to learn english, he thought cleaning his own toilet was beneath him… I know there’s cultural issues. Anyway I’d love it if I could be better prepared for the next time!!

    Reply

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  1. […] Note: This piece was originally published as part of the Ignatian Solidarity Network Rise Up: A Lenten Call to […]

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