POWER & IMMIGRATION

Voltaire penned, “Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.”

Mother Cabrini, whom the Church honors today, lived by faith. She and her sisters intended to be missionaries in China. Yet, Pope Leo XIII told her, “not to go to the East, but to the West.”  She was sent to serve thousands of Italian immigrants in the United States. Mother Cabrini arrived in a New York City filled with chaos and poverty.  When things started off so bad the Archbishop of New York urged the ailing nun to return to Italy.  By faith she stayed and over time her community established 67 institutions throughout the United States (schools, orphanages, and hospitals). In 1909, Frances became a naturalized citizen and was named patroness of immigrants in 1950.

No doubt, American policies on immigration have shifted based on those in power.  Whether Italians, Irish, Germans, Polish, Asians, or those coming by way of the Southern border, the motto of, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” has often shifted to, “Give me those who we feel can contribute to the greatness of America, all others need not apply and will be stopped.” I wonder if sometimes we forget that America was made great by the efforts of a sickly nun and the backs of laborers who worked mines, mills, factories, and railroads.

Our first reading tells us that Wisdom must be sought, especially by kings and judges. Israelite kings were to uphold justice as a primary duty, but they often brought injustice through abuse of power and trampling on the poor.

We must recognize that the current immigration situation globally is a very complex issue that needs Wisdom. The Wisdom reading warns against “dominion” reduced to domination and control. The author reminds the audience that the human family is blessed in stewardship and kinship with all creation as a subject; the world is not an object for human exploitation.

Truly wise rulers are humble and motivated by service. Such insight from Wisdom remains timeless and speaks to leadership in every age and circumstance. The lowly may be pardoned, and the Lord stands in awe of no one. The Lord “provides for all alike” (Wis 6:6–7). 

Max Lucado, Christian author and San Antonio pastor, writes: “Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” Striving to do what is right keeps us on the path of faith. The one Samaritan who returned to Jesus was not acknowledged for his thanks but for his faith.  Indeed, faith at times takes us to that place beyond which reason fails. That’s what can make being led by the Lord’s hand an attractive adventure.