What Can We Do about the Migrant Issue?

Fr. James Martin recently wrote an article for America online services in which he outlined five things we can do to support our Catholic position on current migrant issues at our borders. Here is a summary of the article.

1.      

      Call your legislators.  This is something I’ve never done…until now.  Here are their numbers.  Congressman Paul Ryan represents Wisconsin’s 1^st Congressional District in which most readers of this blog reside.  His number is 202-225-3031.  Senator Ron Johnson can be reached at 202-224-5323 and Senator Tammy Baldwin at 202-224-5653. Messages for President Trump can be left at the switchboard at 202-456-1414.

2.      

      Inform yourself of the facts.  Go online to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office of Migration and Refugee Services for information.

3.      Help organizations, financially, which are assisting migrants now.  Catholic Charities/USA is very reputable.

4.      Advocate for migrants with your friends and family.  Fr. Martin says: “The voiceless need our voices.”

5.       Pray for migrants especially the children and parents who have been separated.

                                               Monarch Butterflies and Migration

What an interesting story!  Monarch butterflies are the only insects that migrate.  They move from Canada and the US in the late summer to central Mexico for their winter hibernation. The distance between their summer and winter homes is 2,000-3,000 miles!   

Monarchs have a life expectancy of 5-7 weeks, which means that the first ones flying north for the summer will not reach their ultimate destination.  On their flight they seek milkweed plants on which to lay some eggs. The eggs hatch and become caterpillars. In a few weeks the caterpillars become butterflies. It takes 2 or 3 generations of Monarchs to reach their northern home.   

Monarch migration is written into their DNA. 

Human migration shows up in our DNA too.  All of us, including Native Americans, have come from someplace else long, long ago.  Our ancestors sought safety, security, food, freedom, and happiness for as long as human beings have dwelt on this earth. 

Lest we forget, our Statue of Liberty testifies to this truth about our homeland in the words of Emma Lazarus: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” What's  happening to our welcome mat?

                                                            The Suicides

Two notable Americans committed suicide last week: Kate Spade, a fashion designer and Anthony Bourdain, a famous chef and world traveler.  Spade suffered from depression for many years. So her decision wasn’t completely surprising. But Bourdain’s decision left people stunned.

    

Suicide is on the rise. I’ve also read that the incidence of suicide often increases after the suicides of famous people. I hope that doesn’t happen now. 

     

One commentator on Spade’s decision said “many people carry secrets around with them, things they simply don’t share.  On their faces we don’t see their heavy hearts.”  The deadly serious conclusion of that commentator was:  “Be kind.” That’s always good advice.

Almost 30 years ago I sought a Spiritual Director.  Like most people, I had struggles and memories that I held within.  I never really considered suicide.  But I knew I had to talk to someone who could help me sort things out, so I could become spiritually and emotionally healthier.

There is a spiritual side of every person God has made.

       

I can’t help but think that people who are suicidal might benefit from looking at the spiritual side of themselves with someone who can guide them. Who helps you be spiritually and emotionally healthy?       

                                                                    WOW

Fr. Jack Kern tells the story of a 6 year old, whose older brother was 8 and had recently received his First Communion.  The brothers looked alike.  So when the 6 year old held out his hand for communion one day, Fr. Jack gave it to him.  Only moments later Fr. Jack realized that it was the 6 year old who had just received his unplanned First Communion!

    

He talked to the boy afterwards to help him understand something about Communion. So he asked the child if he knew why Jesus gave Himself to us in this holy bread.  The child said “no”.  So Fr. Jack said: “Jesus gives himself to you in this bread because He wants to be your best friend.”  And the child’s spontaneous response was: “WOW!”

I like that explanation about communion.  And the child’s “WOW!” touches me.

What does it mean that Jesus wants to be my best friend? 

It means I can tell Him my secrets and He’ll love me no matter what. And it means that He’s always with me on my journey.  And it also means that He’s my biggest fan! 

What does it mean to you that Jesus wants to be your best friend?