Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (Guatemala liturgical calendar. In USA today is Feast of Baptism)
Today’s gospel portion: Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
You may wonder why the Monday post comes on Wednesday.
After the frontier, drove to Huehuetenango, stayed overnight, I made my way by bus from Huehuetenango to Guatemala City via a coach bus. So far so good.
Communicating with the mission team we agreed to meet up in Guatemala City on Monday for the final two days in-country. While in Guatemala City I walked 16 km total with my 14 LB backpack to the Cathedral and back again partly to fill the day with activity and partly to continue the solidarity of the pilgrim and migrant.
Then two motorcycle thieves jumped the curb, grabbed my cell phone and drove off.
You haven’t heard from me because I have no cell phone.
Of course, I had shock and surprise like anyone. But my first thought was, ‘Hey, this is just like in the movies.’
This aspect of the trip (continuing the diaspora solidarity pilgrimage) brings to focus the dangers of the migration. In summary, I was victim of crime in Mexico City and Guatemala City, both. In the first case, by a member of the State apparatus, and in the second case just normal street thieves. In both cases no recourse but by my own resources. Imagine this story being repeated on a 3,000 journey for one with very little and the trust in the Lord. Or even no faith, no resources, just desperation.
And they come.
I will attempt to write from the experiences and observations careful to be disrespectful and objective.
But you have no photos from this point forward.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 