Wednesday, May 17, 2006

He Makes No Distinction May 18

Jesus, make no distinction between us and them. Remind us that there are no races, colors, creeds or national origins in your Kingdom. Everyone is counted among the children of God.

Just as you don’t cast any of us aside, let us be like you. As you dwell in us, let us welcome all to live in harmony. Look with favor on all your children. Not just American children. Not just Mexican children. But also Iranian children, Turkish children, Kurdistan children, Greek children, Italian children, Irish children, Polish children, Germans children, British children, Chinese children, Bolivian children, Panamanian children, and all.

Help us to share all that we have with those who do not share a stake in those riches – riches that we have been blessed to have, hold and share with our fellow passengers on the Ark.

Help us to make a joy-filled room in our hearts where God can dwell all the days of his life and where our love for all God’s children springs forth. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/051806.shtml

"He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts." Acts 15:9

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.” John 15:11

We have a very personal God. He dwells in us and wants us to share in His joy. When we read the personal nature of John’s Gospel, it speaks directly to us. However, we have to be careful that we don’t think that it speaks ONLY to us. As today’s psalm stresses, we must evangelize all the nations.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

Our nation continues to debate the heated issues around immigration. Maybe now is a time to remember that the Good News is for all nations, not just one. As Paul and Barnabas remind us today in the first reading, God makes no distinction between peoples and he treats them all with equity and justice. The founding story of our faith includes a refugee family flight into Egypt to protect the life of their son. Good thing the National Guard didn’t block them at the check point and send them back toward Herod’s army.
Action

As we reflect on Paul’s message about the universal church -- one, holy, catholic with a small c and apostolic -- consider how this should direct us in the immigration debate. Please consider contacting your Senators Today Regarding S. 2611, The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. Consider this summary of background information from the Virginia Catholic Conference:

This week, the U.S. Senate will be considering S. 2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (CIRA) of 2006. The legislation represents a positive step forward in enacting a comprehensive immigration reform bill before the end of the year. Over the next two weeks, the Senate will consider amendments to the legislation, both amendments which would improve the bill and those which would cause more harm to immigrants and refugees. It is important that the Catholic network weigh in on this important issue at such a critical juncture. CIRA contains many positive provisions, including a legalization program which includes a path to citizenship for up to 10 million persons; family unity provisions; and a temporary worker program. However, it also contains overly punitive enforcement provisions. Moreover, it contains provisions which could preclude some of the undocumented population from qualifying for the legalization program. It is important that our elected officials receive the appropriate messages regarding this legislation and both the legalization provisions and the enforcements provisions.

[1] Emphasis added.

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