Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

March 4, 2026

“I am the light of the world, says the Lord, whoever follows me will have the light of life.”

Archbishop Romero, the archbishop of El Salvador who was martyred by a totalitarian military regime, once wrote: “The homily is not being political when it points out political, social, and economic sins; it is simply the Word of God incarnate in our own reality, a reality that often reflects not God’s Kingdom, but sin.”

At the time I am writing this reflection, our country is deeply disturbed by what is going on in Minneapolis and many other cities across the country. We were told that this immigration crackdown was to remove from our country the dangerous people who came across the border in recent years: rapists, murderers, drug dealers, and members of dangerous gangs.

That is not what seems to be happening. ICE agents wearing masks and carrying automatic weapons are entering schools, churches, court houses, and private homes, whisking away people, many of whom do NOT fit the profile of the “worst.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is alarmed and issued a statement in November, “that as pastors, we are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion.” They insist that all people must be treated with dignity and respect. “To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since when one member suffers, all suffer.” They called for an end to the dehumanizing rhetoric and violence.

We, who are conformed to Christ by Eucharist, are brothers and sisters to those suffering in fear. We must pray for them, build communities of support, protect and accompany those unjustly targeted, and advocate for dignity and justice from our elected officials. In the name of Jesus, we must stand for truth, justice, and mercy.

Let Us Pray:

Jesus, you are the light of the world, and we carry you as your torch bearers into our world. Give us an overabundance of your grace to shine the light of truth, justice, peace, and compassion on our brothers and sisters who are immigrants and refugees. They have come to this country, like our ancestors, in search of freedom, peace, and a new beginning. Give us the courage to carry our torches into the present darkness of hate, racism, and violence. Amen.