First they came for the Jews, but I did nothing because I’m not a Jew. Then they came for the socialists, but I did nothing because I’m not a socialist. Then they came for the Catholics, but I did nothing because I’m not a Catholic. Finally, they came for me, but by then there was no one left to help me. Martin Niemoeller
Meditation: The US immigration prisons are being filled with new prisoners every day: A Mexican worker missing a paper, randomly picked up at work. A mother of five children, rushed off after dropping her children at school, all of whom were born in the US – but she was not. An Iraqi husband and father whose visa had expired and whose court date pleading for a legal way to extend his stay in the country was denied. Families ripped apart without warning. Children abandoned. Spouses separated. Mexican families are meeting in hiding to sign durable powers of attorney. “If I am getting deported, you would take my children. And if it is me, you would care for mine”… Jesus was preparing for his crucifixion this week. “This is your son – this is your mother”, he said to John, his disciple, and Mary, his mother. He is being joined this year by Mexican families who are preparing for the death of their family units…
Prayer: God of refuge, our society has become largely silent. All of this is happening, yet demonstrations have ceased. We get worried or distracted with the latest international news, while men and women who do not have their proof of citizenship are randomly detained. You know these are no criminals. You know these are husbands, wives, and parents all of whom are being imprisoned and deported for no reason other than being declared as “unwanted”, “illegal” or “criminals”. God, let us not repeat history! Let the church awake and speak. Let the people rise up to demonstrate. God of refuge, hear our prayer! Amen
When the alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34 and 24:22
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