Written by: Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC
June 3, 2013
Last night, we visited St Margaret Mary Church in Winter
Park, Florida. First, we celebrated Mass with the local parish and helped them
say good bye to one of their beloved priests who had been missioned to another
parish. Immediately following, we participated in a thoughtful and ethnically
rich program created by local Sister Ann Kendrick, SND. We were escorted in the
meeting room by young flag-bearers who proudly stood for immigration reform.
Then, several participants processed into the room bearing
colorful posters, wearing ethnic garb and dancing to music of Hope. We prayed
for justice for those unjustly imprisoned without due process; those living in
the shadows; and the new orphan society waiting for parents to return. Finally,
Simone and some sisters raised the battle cry: Raise your hands; Raise your voices
for Comprehensive Immigration reform. Oh, the Spirit, she was a movin’.
It was Corpus Christi Sunday and the Gospel reading was that
of the loaves and fishes. Father recalled that the apostles wanted to send the
masses away because they did not believe that they could feed His sheep with
the little resources they had. Jesus says, bring to me whatever I have given
you and I will show you how this works, again! Jesus was losing a little
patience with the apostles. They had seen Him provide for the 100% over and
over again. He had taught them that they must follow in His footsteps, not just
his fame. He shows them once more. And all left, satisfied.
We claim to be followers of Christ. Comprehensive
Immigration Reform will be the most effective economic, ecologic and prolife
piece of legislation that any Congress will ever pass. Gross domestic product
will be exponentially increased by legalization of those in the shadows. The
agriculture industry will be able to properly provide for rotation of crops,
which promotes economy and ecology. Finally, a roadmap that allows people to feel
safe enough to come out of the shadows, to report injustices and to provide
amply for their family is prolife.
There is enough for all of us, and we are called to be the
body of Christ. I wondered if Jesus is losing patience with us. After all, by
now we should know how this works. What He has given, He has given for the
common good. We must lose our fears of self-denial and release what He has
given us so all will be satisfied.
