This weekend’s readings remind us of our shared responsibility for one another. In the letter to the Romans, Saint Paul summarizes the theme very well: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” He goes on to write that all of the commandments “are summed up in this one saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Sadly, in our nation this week, it seems we have indeed inflicted evil on those who would strive to be our neighbors: those who were brought to this country as children by their undocumented parents. By rescinding DACA, “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” we take back the humanitarian policy that allowed these so-called “dreamers” to apply every two years for deferral from deportation and eligibility to work. Our Catholic Bishops have responded swiftly and clearly to this decision to rescind DACA.
In a statement released shortly after the decision was announced, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said: “Today, our nation has done the opposite of how Scripture calls us to respond. It is a step back from the progress that we need to make as a country. Today’s actions show the absence of mercy and good will, and a short-sighted vision for the future. DACA youth are woven into the fabric of our country and of our Church, and are, by every social and human measure, American youth.”
Welcoming the stranger, the immigrant, is not a new idea for Catholics. Throughout all of Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has commanded us to welcome all people. From Abraham and Sarah showing hospitality to three unknown visitors to Jesus over and over again dining with and healing those who were shunned by others, our Lord and Savior has shown us the better way, the only way to justice for all people and salvation for our own souls.
So what can we do? Again, the Bishops are clear: “As people of faith, we say to DACA youth – regardless of your immigration status, you are children of God and welcome in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church supports you and will advocate for you.” Interestingly, this week’s Gospel from Matthew gives clear instructions about how to respond those who sin against us – and by extension, sin against our neighbors for whom we are responsible. We are to speak up; we are to advocate for what is right. We are to gather together with the assurance that Jesus will be in our midst, directing us not only to take responsibility for the oppressed but to communicate with mercy and patience to the oppressors.
So much to ponder … How are we being called this week to take responsibility for our brothers and sisters? How can we advocate for God’s justice? How we can be the face of the mercy of Jesus to those who need it most?
Read the Bishops' complete statement:
http://www.usccb.org/news/2017/17-157.cfm