I didn’t take photos of the number of police, military road blocks, inspections, and document checking. All necessary.
All the southern states under close guard. Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz and the Yucatán live in a different Mexico.
Indigenous and migrants are the population. A bit of a two world situation, I wish not to offend or be critical. When anyone practices separate but equal, has no equality nor equitable society in mind.
Right on the Usumacinta River, Mexican Civil Service has permanent presence to offer aid and comfort. Perhaps some years with kindness, other years with contempt.
The American resistance to acknowledging institutionalized racism (critical race theory) is abandonment of millions here in Mexico and millions more in the USA.
There are 87 million people on the move worldwide. We must not forgo our imperative. Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord (Isa 40:1). Do we read it only or live it fully?
The Walking on the Water.
Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith,* why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God (MT 14:22-33).
I cannot stress enough my concern that Peter (the Church) is afraid. Afraid to do her mission of love beyond self and be the very help she is meant to be. Christ is our help! We too are to be help!
We cannot drown in fear!
You’ve seen Fr Rick’s guest newsletters on this block and pages. He stands in the breach in Haiti.
Fr Frank O’Loughlin stands in the breach for the Guatemalan among us.
We must come to the aid of those who do drown for no one to help them. Truth is the foundation.
Who can we stand in the breach for?
Quoting (paraphrase) Father Frank:
The immigration problem will not be solved with another program, another initiative. No, it can only be be solved with the imagination of faith. A conversion of sorts from Mine and Yours to Us and We, the family of humans.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 