We are now at midweek, drawing closer to Thursday when Jesus shares a meal with his friends, before he is to be targeted and taken into custody. The temple leadership had had enough of his teaching, his ability to deflect their attempts to trap him. So they had to do it at night, in the shadows, after the crowds had dispersed.
Clearly different than targeting followers who feed and help immigrants on social media for all to see. Right now, it’s Catholic Charities being targeted with vile phone calls, and posting the names and contact information of staff. But, we shouldn’t feel left out for the neo-Nazi right will be after us as well. They are targeting anyone who provides support to immigrants.
The phone calls to shelters and food pantries are as threatening as they are vulgar. Although mostly attacking services along the border, these attempts to harass staff who care for the elderly and run daycare centers have spread into other areas. Like the temple leadership, they are vicious and show no shame.
Prayer for the Day
Hate abounding, O God, we come to you for more than solace,
For we need strength and courage in a time of conflict;
Fear bursting and tearing the seams of our garments of mercy,
We ask for your calming presence as we do our work.
Let us not be deterred from responding to your call, O Lord,
For our faith teaches us to care for the vulnerable.
In the name of the One who is our source of strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We will stand resolute in serving the poor and vulnerable regardless of where they come from.
Tony Stieritz, targeted CEO, Catholic charities, southwestern Ohio
Having seen and learned about what happened in El Paso, anybody can come from the outside to hurt the community
Rebecca Solloa, Catholic Charities Laredo
Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
Maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
They have neither knowledge nor understanding, walking in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Psalm 82: 3-5