21st Sunday Ordinary Time
I come to gather nations of every language—Isaiah 66:18
When I was in middle school, I learned that America was considered a melting pot of different nationalities. It was something to be proud of because sociologists of the day thought it made us a stronger country, open to new ideas and viewpoints that we might not have otherwise considered. Life was hard for most immigrants coming to this brave new world, but, if you were healthy, at least the door was open to a better life (the exception being our brothers and sisters who were forced here by slavery). Today, we are not such an open nation. Our antiquated immigration laws make entry a narrow gate and citizenship a daunting, expensive, and long process that can last for years. This is one of the great social problems of our country. As Pope Benedict XVI writes in Deus Caritas Est, “It is the Church’s duty to shed light on the social questions of our time. The Church “cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice” (28).
The USCCB Administrative Committee writes, “What is clearly true, and what the Church and many others have called for, is the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of our country’s immigration system. The U.S. immigration system is overly complex and unjust, often keeping family members apart; it must be fixed” (March 17, 2022.) To read the Catholic elements of immigration reform, go to: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/churchteachingonimmigrationreform
As Catholic Christians, we must look at this issue from God’s perspective. God considers us one big family, God’s family. God doesn’t want walls (or fences) between His children; the earth is given as the inheritance of all. For some, this may seem to be a new world view and yet, one only has to read Genesis to know that this was the original intent. When you begin to wrap your mind around this perspective, you will find God touching your heart. What can you do to make a difference?
You can call, email or make an appointment with your representative in his or her office, or attend town hall meetings in your district to show your support for comprehensive immigration reform to provide streamlined, affordable, legal paths to citizenship.
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral’s Justice for Immigrants Ministry addresses this issue. For more information, please see www.justiceforimmigrants.org, and contact Luisa Martin-Price at socialconcern@hnojnc.org to join.
God is gathering the nations. Be there.
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC