I always wondered if the Holy Family would have been considered immigrants or illegal immigrants when they entered Egypt.Every new year brings with it hopes and dreams for a better life and a better world. My prayer for 2012 is that we draw closer to God and to each other.
However, 2012 is an election year. This means that our communications media will be filled with those jockeying for position and seeking votes. Given the state of the economy, high unemployment, the national debt and the instability of the global markets, there will be plenty of anxiety. The social issues of the dignity of human life, poverty, euthanasia and education may take a backseat to the worrisome economic picture confronting many of our citizens today.
As Catholics we should form our opinions based on the teachings of our Church, derived from the gospel and natural law. Catholic social principles have contributed to the protection of the dignity of all persons throughout the world. Those principles serve as a guide in the development of policies which protect the God-given rights of all people. I have often said that I believe the Catholic Church and its social teaching serve as a conscience for our society as we sincerely seek to serve the common good.
Recently I accepted the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Council of Priests that all pastors and priests of the archdiocese address the issue of immigration on one common Sunday. The emotions surrounding the various approaches concerning this issue can be very divisive. In agreeing to the council’s request, my hope was that looking at the issue from the perspective of Catholic teachings would offer some framework and help us to avoid the contention that this issue often reflects. The Priest Council suggested that Epiphany Sunday, being a time when salvation is announced to the whole world, could be an appropriate time by using the homily, or some part of it, to address the issue.
There’s no doubt that opinions about policy will differ among people. Leaders will have to make prudential judgments in the laws which they will enact. However, Christian charity must be at the heart of all dialogue. This means a respect for the opinions of others even when they differ from our own. We can never come to a joint solution in a climate of distrust.
I would caution that those who would offer simple solutions to this complex problem represent the “extremes.” The “extremes” tend to violate the rights of society, justice and human dignity. A society has a right to protect its borders and serve and protect the citizens of the country. At the same time, the dignity of the human person, rights of families and simple justice must be preserved.
I don’t have a magic wand to make the issue easier or a crystal ball to foretell the consequences of various policies, but as a Church we do have principles which assist us in avoiding damage to the very freedom and liberties which we cherish as a nation. Statements from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on immigration are well balanced and very measured. They serve as a resource for us all. Please refer to them as you form your understanding of this issue. Both statements can be found by clicking here.
We need to educate ourselves on this particular issue. It is my hope that our pastors and priests will offer some insights before it becomes an emotionally charged election year topic. Please give them your attention and share with your pastors your own reflections. Joseph, Mary and the child Jesus became immigrants shortly after Jesus’ birth, fleeing to Egypt and escaping the persecution of King Herod. In welcoming the stranger, we celebrate the Christ who makes us one, despite our differences. As people we are on a journey, we all hope to immigrate to a kingdom prepared for us by Christ. His way is simple, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Photo
4 comments:
I think my views on immigration could broadly be described as "pro" and the fact that the Holy Family found themselves in Egypt is a good reminder to have compassion towards those who find themselves as strangers in a a strange land. That said, attempts by some clergy to act like that situation mirrors current immigration issues is such a stretch. Firstly, were not Egypt and Judah both part of the same Roman Empire? I am not sure as to the internal workings of the empire but since that empire was so centralized and unified going (on those nice Roman roads) from Israel to Egypt (or from Thrace to Athens or from Gaul to Hispania) was not really a big deal legally (maybe more so in terms of adjusting to a new culture but everyone was under the same political sovereign, Caesar Augustus.) It is almost as if the Holy family fled Wisconsin to Minnesota or something.
Furthermore the Holy Family was fleeing from essentially a hit ordered on them by Herrod, if our current situation so mirrors their's does that make Philippe Calderon, the president of Mexico, "King Herrod"? If so that seems to be lacking in charity and politically correct sensibility.
I can only hope Listecki will use this as leverage so that when he says all priests much preach on the right to life or the sacrament of marriage the Council will play ball.
Also, being pro-immigration is all well and good but our Church needs to make sure it is ready to receive this immigrants and protect them in their faith. So many Latin Americans becomes Protestants after immigration here this was not the case with Polish immigrants in the 1910s or Irish Immigrants in the 1840s.
I can recall some professional Catholic types complaining about how so many recent immigrants were not receiving communion at a certain parish and how odd this was. When it was pointed out to them that many of these people were aware that they were in states of mortal sin for various reason (shacking up, etc.) and they were still fulfilling their Mass going obligations but had been taught to not receive communion in a state of mortal sin the blank stares spoke volumes.
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.
I do like how Abp Listecki balances his statement; a classic "at the same time" reminds me of how Pope Benedict calls the Catholic religion the great "both" ie. faith and works, east and west, etc. There certainly is an anti-Catholic bias against Mexican immigrants by many WASPs on the right, but we do need a system that works as well and doesn't endanger(such as drug trafficking) or displace American families in the process.
"I always wondered if the Holy Family would have been considered immigrants or illegal immigrants when they entered Egypt."
Since Judaea & Egypt were both a provinces of the Roman Empire it was more like moving from 1 state to another is these days.
The idea is a good one, what he said is balanced & looks like it is solidly based on what the Catholic Church actually teaches. But the execution will depend on the priest & what he opts to emphasis. There are plenty of ways to slant it without technically offering "simple solutions" while actually doing that very thing.
Post a Comment