Pray, Act, Hope
“Pray as if everything depends on God. Act as if everything depends on you.” That classic saying comes to my mind these days, as I think about how we move forward in 2025.
Consider just one critical moral issue: how do we treat our immigrant brothers and sisters? We pray for immigrants at Mass, and I expect most of us pray for them personally. All good.
Beyond that, what actions can we take? Where can we find help? Some possibilities:
- Pay particular attention to news about immigration enforcement. Not all of it is legal. I’m convinced that some people want us to stop paying attention, so they can get away with illegal actions. Let’s pay attention.
- Visit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center website. Among the ILRC’s resources are “Red Cards”, which succinctly list constitutional rights. We’ve put some red cards in church. Website: www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
- Check out what our Archdiocese is https:// missionsupport.archspm.org/news/immigration- issues-for-parishes-and-schools/
- Continue to support Casa Guadalupana, one of our mission partners. Casa shelters legal immigrants. Their staff and volunteers are attending meetings, and they’ll keep us informed.
These are troubled times . . . and yet, “Our hope for salvation is sustained by people helping people. Scientists, first responders, humanitarian aid workers are reminders that ‘Christ plays in ten thousand places’ (Gerard Manley Hopkins). While there may not be as much humanity around as we would like, there’s more than we think. Humanitarian efforts to feed the starving, house the homeless, and heal the broken are the visible signs of salvation breaking through the barbed wire of systemic injustice blurring the beauty of living in communion with God and neighbor.” (Fr. Richard M. Gula in Give Us This Day, Reflection for February 2, 2025)
Fr. Thomas put it well in a recent homily, let’s (a) cease complaining; and (b) be a light to the world.
As members of St. Matt’s Catholic community, we have access to powerful sources of hope: our faith, Scripture, and our fellow members.
Have a great week! Thank you for your support!
Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
651-224-9793
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