Love one Another as God has Loved Us
From the desk of Sister Martha Gomez, RGS
Delegate for Consecrated LifeThe psalm today is Psalm 68 – “God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.” The psalmist reminds us the God does not hesitate to make a home for the poor, the orphans, widows, prisoners, and the forsaken.” We need to humble ourselves and embrace the virtue of humility that the psalmist illustrates and the Mass readings emphasize. On this Labor Day weekend, let us lift up those forsaken by society.
We need to be a voice of mercy – especially a peaceful, prayerful voice for those whose voice is afraid to speak.
Recently Bishop Mark Brennan shared with us his letter on the current immigration crisis. His commitment to those entrusted to his care, especially those who are most vulnerable is admirable and unwavering. He takes his responsibility seriously and this letter was no exception. I am quite sure he put pen to paper after much prayer and lots of thought.
Immigration isn’t a current hot topic, immigration is woven into every part of our history in this state, in this country, and throughout the world. We are but one small part of God’s great Creation.
Here in the US the immigration crisis has gotten worse with the presence of ICE in this matter. Let us be a voice and prayer of hope in a time of peril.
Our Bishop has taken a stand, reminding us that we need each other. His letter is like a prophetic voice loud and clear for us to hear and as true Christians respond with the mercy of Jesus. However, we have to expect response both in favor or against – we are entitled to our opinions because we are humans, but in that same vein let us respond respectfully, and without hate.
As an immigrant myself who came to this country as a teenager, not looking for the American Dream but to serve Christ, the Church and the people here in the United States, I not only listen to Bishop Mark’s words, but also feel the pain within them when he refers to those who are affected by this situation – people torn away from their families, their homes, and their belongings they worked hard to earn.
Unfortunately, our Immigration Laws are indeed broken, and sadly it has taken a turn for the worse.
A prophetic voice speaks and guides others to do the right thing. It also denounces any kind of unfairness. Bishop Mark knows the seriousness of the situation. If he as the servant leader of the Church in West Virginia is silent some of us may do nothing about it.
We are all companions on this journey. We are pilgrims, and this land is not ours to keep; but it is for us to enjoy, to care for and to share. Let us remember that our ancestors also were immigrants. Pray for one another. Advocate for the dignity and human rights of immigrants.
This world is filled with stress and tension, harsh and demeaning words, violence and wars, so many hurting, suffering, and starving people. And more and more, genuine respect for human life, for the environment, and for the God of all creation seems absent. So let us be genuine to our bishop’s invitation to care for one another, and in this way respond to the God’s call: “Love one another as I have love you.” Let us be present in this world, by serving those who are hurt and struggling, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
As a Catholic sister, I would like to support my bishop as he calls me to assist my brothers and sisters who are struggling to become legally recognized in this country. My upbringing gives me the assurance that whatever I do to the least of my brothers I did it to God.
My prayer for all is that we love one another as God has loved us.The photos is from 2018, Sister Martha Gomez is pictured in 2018 at El Refugio Center in Spain, an orphanage for children from birth to 18 years old. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd (RGS) cared for the children who were given up for adoption or in need of foster care.
