Just a word before we go...Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time...February 16, 2025

The timing of today’s Gospel, the Beatitudes in Luke’s words, couldn’t be more appropriate, coming as it does on the heels of Pope Francis’ letter to the American bishops regarding the current policy of mass deportation of asylum seekers. Rooting his letter in the dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good, Pope Francis refers to Catholic Doctrine which teaches that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees, who serve as models of hope and solace for migrants of all stripes.

In the pope’s words: “I exhort all the faithful of the Catholic Church, and all men and women of good will, not to give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters.  With charity and clarity we are all called to live in solidarity and fraternity, to build bridges that bring us ever closer together…”

The pope does not dispute the right of a country to develop a policy that “regulates orderly and legal migration,” and appreciates that those persons who are criminals should be subject to deportation. Under the current immigration system, the “sensitive locations” policy has been rescinded, meaning that immigration authorities can make arrests in previously protected spaces, such as churches, schools and hospitals. Some bishops, including Bishop Mark Seitz, Chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, have come out against this policy change, while others, such as Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Cardinal Timothy Dolan have objected to disparaging comments by officials about the reason for the opposition of the bishops’ conference to the current immigration policy.  Many Christian, Jewish and ecumenical denominations have  filed a lawsuit against the recission of the “sensitive locations” exception. 

Objecting to current immigration regulations is not a partisan matter; it is, rather, a moral and a spiritual issue that people of good will, regardless of their religion or political affiliation, should be concerned about. 

I urge you to read the pope’s letter in its entirety.  It can be found on the parish website.