This afternoon, I was just checking out the book’s website.
You can even see photos of the people who help the immigrants.
Daily Archives: October 30th, 2006
Check out this event below. They have some great films showing.
On Saturday, I finished Enrique’s Journey, by Sonia Nazario. It has started a whirlwind of thoughts in my head. In the spring of 2006 I heard rummblings about the immigration issue with the wall being built. When the whole debate came up about immigration I was greatly distressed. I talked to a Latino friend about it and he told me not to worry about it because “Latins take the immigration debate so personally.” However, now I am more concerned because there is moneyh for the wall. One of the biggest mistakes in this whole thing is the lack of a comprehensive plan. There should be talks with Mexico about addressing the issue together. One of the best things about Enrique’s Journey is that it gives an account of both sides of the immigration debate within the Latino community. Nazario writes about how in the US we either demonize or idealize the immigrants. She tries to give both sides of the debate a fair hearing through the story of one kid that comes by land to the US from Honduras. It was a powerful book. On the one hand, It made so mad to see the abuses of immigrants, especially the way the Central American immigrants are treated in Mexico. It hurts more because if anyone should sympathize with the Central Americans it should be the Mexicans. It seems like those who have been hurt by immigrants are the most bitter and this bitterness causes more hurt and it is a downward spiral of prejudice and violence. The inpunity of the authority figures is disgusting. Herman@s, in the words of Archbishop Oscar Romero, “Be converted.” Stop these acts of hate and injustice. On the other hand, Nazario tells about how common people are lights of hope in the desert of lawlessness and abuse on the trail to los unites. There are people who have a strong faith in God. They help the immigrants becauase Jesus himself was a refugee fleeing in the arms of Mary and Joseph. There are those who take every opportunity to help the immigrants by throwing food and water to them as they pass by on trains. This little help comes at a great cost. The police threaten them becaues they are helping “illegals.” They recieve criticisim because they should help Mexicans first. Wow! Herman@s we pray for you that love instead of hate on today’s trail of tears. We pray that God may multiply your resources so that you can continue to give. Matthew 5You’re Blessed1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. 6“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. 7“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. 8“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. 10“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. 11-12“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. | ||||
