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This week Ignatians West volunteers met over Zoom to reflect on how they might be a voice for mercy and the truth that every woman, man, and child is worthy of being treated with dignity.
It was unspoken, but within the first few minutes of the call, I realized this was not about politics, politicians, or policy. No one was interested in rehashing current events despite being very aware of them. The volunteers wanted to figure out how they could companion people living in fear of deportation and ease the burdens of people worried about an unknown and potentially rocky future.
They talked about the erosion of social justice and how they could be a voice of hope in Los Angeles. Frustration emerged, but so did concrete ideas and the recognition that prayer is a calming influence. They talked about how Jesus's times were similar to our times, which led to feeling a closer bond to Jesus. They came together in faith hoping that faith would reveal how they could be of service beyond their regular service commitments. They are ready to go the extra mile.
Today’s readings are clear. They are a roadmap, a recipe, or whatever word you choose for how we are called to live. They do not need an explanation. You do not have to be a scripture scholar or have an advanced degree in divinity or pastoral care or theology to understand what they are saying. They call for reflection on life as it unfolds today.
The first reading boldly tells us that trusting in human beings over God is foolish. Jeremiah uses the word “cursed.” He then tells us, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Do we believe this, or is it just something we hear at church? Taking it one step further, if we trust in the Lord how do we live given that loving one’s neighbor is right up there with loving God? The teaching is not just directed to people who look like us, think like us, love like us or are from our lineage. The teaching is universal and admittedly not easy at times.
In the gospel, we hear Jesus telling those gathered that the poor, the hungry, and the weeping are blessed. He goes as far as to say that when people hate you on account of your belief in him, you are blessed, and then he says, “Rejoice and leap for joy…”. This seems contradictory and is countercultural. After all, don’t we celebrate and hold in high esteem people who accumulate wealth and all that goes with it?
In 2025, how can the poor, the hungry, and the weeping be blessed? Hardship and loss can bring something unexpected—not immediately, for sure, but eventually. They offer the opportunity to embrace what is important, and with that comes peace of heart—perhaps the blessing Jesus speaks of.
The gospel also offers a warning: if you are rich, well cared for and satisfied you need to be aware. Jesus uses the words, "Woe to you". There is a responsibility that comes with good fortune and the power that good fortune brings. If that responsibility is ignored or worse, blatantly misused "Woe to you" is probably appropriate.
Story after story in scripture offers us a glimpse of the love we are called to model. Jesus met with, ate with, healed and sent on their way people who were shunned in his day. We are called to go deep and do the same despite how tough it might be at times. If we do not follow the way of Jesus how can we be called Christian?
Given their concerns and frustrations the Ignatian volunteers came up with some ideas to consider in these times of change and confusion about what it means to be a Christian:
· Subscribe to LA Voice newsletter for ideas that cross faith traditions to help people in need and to give support for justice https://www.lavoice.org/
· Join Fr. Sean Dempsey at LMU on April 22, 2025 City of Dignity: Christianity, Liberalism, and the Making of Global Los Angeles." https://library.lmu.edu/facultypubnight/
· Encourage your parish to increase food collection efforts for food pantries to support those affected by job loss and the fear of deportation
· Consider reaching out to accompany people facing deportation
· Call congress members to voice your concerns
· Donate money to organizations helping people who are vulnerable
· Respectfully stand up for and with vulnerable groups
· Speak the truth even when it is difficult
Please send us any ideas you have that would be helpful at this time. Together we can be of service and make a difference in the lives of others. Our meeting ended with prayer and a commitment to continue the conversation in the coming weeks.
This is the last call for the retreat this Wednesday. The topic is timely. Please see the information below.
Our Jubilee pilgrimage to Italy will be a wonderful experience. We will send out details and an invitation to a Zoom meeting about the trip next week.
Scroll down for a Lenten experience offered by St Camillus Center you can access in person or from the comfort of your living room.
Finally, we are featuring the voices of young people in this newsletter and the next. We look to them to guide us to peace and a greater sense of inclusiveness in the future.
Peace,
Anne
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