Acting with Intention

We live at a time when holding Franciscan values is not easy. Consumer culture normalizes seeking abundance and wealth, while simplicity is a radical way of life. The population of the United States and the world that is committed to remaining faithful continues to dwindle.  Most of all, in recent months, the politicians in our country have found new ways to express their disregard for the dignity of life.

After President Trump’s inauguration in January, the US government halted programs that grant protected status to asylum seekers from other countries. Furthermore, those hailing from Latin America already among us enriching our communities face constant threat of deportation at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE has already destroyed the livelihoods of many of those vulnerable undocumented persons across the country, and those who remain face constant fear, knowing that raids could happen anytime and anywhere. This is the fear that the Trump administration is forcing our communities and loved ones to face.

For my ministry site, Little Friends for Peace, new policies have direct consequences. Many parents are afraid to send their kids to schools where we do programming, out of fear that ICE will be there. This is a sign to me that we are dealing with a very serious problem: kids do not even feel safe enough to learn.

In times like these, I find it beneficial to look to the helpers. Who is actively doing something about this? I need look no further than the church congregation that I have been a part of since my arrival in Washington, DC in August. There have been several opportunities to offer comfort, support, and solidarity to the most vulnerable in our community, including an overnight vigil spent praying for protection and love to conquer fear. While I have found these moments meaningful, I still find myself fearful for all of those who are and might be targets of the Trump administration. Spending a little bit of time praying or even performing rapid response cannot protect all of the undocumented members of our community, let alone other groups that make up our families and social circles, like religious minorities, activists, and especially members of the LGBTQ+ community. How can we hold this great danger and fear that we and our loved ones face?

I do not particularly enjoy admitting this, but I know I have to surrender sole responsibility for the problems that I see. It will take the time and support of all of us to protect the most vulnerable among us. There are days when I struggle to have faith that myself and others will rise to this occasion. However, in the spirit of St. Francis, what I will do is bring love where there is hate, pardon where there is injury, and light where there is darkness. When I act with this intention, I find no shortage of others doing the same. And when I am surrounded by channels of peace, I cannot avoid finding a glimmer of hope.

Question for Reflection: How do you bring love where there is hate, pardon where there is injury, and light where there is darkness?