eBulletin February 2, 2025

These are the words of the righteous and devout man, Simeon, to Mary, on the occasion of the presentation of the baby Jesus in the temple.  He has long been waiting for this day when the Christ would appear.  He takes the child in his arms and says, among other things, to Mary, “Behold this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted—and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 

Mary had to be deeply consoled that she gave birth to the Savior, but I am sure her joy was all along the way tinged with sadness and torment as she saw how her son was  treated and tortured, and killed, her own heart surely pierced right along with that of her son’s.  The incarnation of God meant, it turns out, that God in God’s very self—together with his family-- would undergo the worst possible kinds of suffering. 

These past weeks I have witnessed the distress, sadness, and trauma of families as they contemplate what could happen due to the executive orders around immigration.  It is nothing less than horrific.  It occupies our every waking moment.  This is clearly not the United States of America we thought we were living in.  

That said, we know we are no strangers to adversity, to trial, to tribulation.  We have not gotten this far in life without our share of suffering.  And we certainly have not chosen to follow One who was a stranger to the feelings we are having.  He has been there before; so has his Mother.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish makes the steadfast commitment to stand with you and with all immigrants.  We are committed to providing you with sound information, and to help you prepare for the worst while we hope for the best.  This Sunday after communion we will give you “red cards,” with your rights listed.  After some masses, you will be invited to hear Know Your Rights workshops.  We will do what is within our power to do to be prepared.  And then, as always, we will, together in our Family of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, commend ourselves to God.   And we will trust that God knows and redeems the anxiety and sadness that we feel.