It appears that conversations around and debate concerning the "Sanctuary Movement" is central in our day-to-day news (both air and print).  More specifically, public discourse and debate regarding "Sanctuary Cities" is receiving considerable air-and-ink time.  It is my suspicion that when we hear the language of "sanctuary" more often than not, we quickly draw our thoughts and attention to concepts of sheltering and harboring, in this case undisclosed immigrants.

Over the next weeks and months through the forum of Friday Reflection and via other diocesan modes of correspondence, we will be exploring the many ways that communities of faith can respond to the needs and the concerns of those on the margins, in this case, in particular, our undisclosed sisters and brothers.  And the responses we consider and contemplate may have little if nothing to do with sheltering or harboring.   Our responses will have everything to do with the ways in which we encounter and follow Jesus and are engaged in the "Jesus Movement." 

We encounter Jesus "on the shores of our lives" (reference to John 21 [Gospel for 3rd Sun. of Easter]) and he feeds us.  And as he feeds us, he asks if we love him (perhaps even three times as he did with Peter).  And after we respond, hopefully with "yes" - he tells us to feed his people.

The many ways in which we will explore our responses regarding our undisclosed sisters and brothers in the weeks and months before us, will lead us to hospitality and care and accompaniment and advocacy.  It will lead us, as with all matters of faith and life, to Jesus!
And so EDSJ, I ask that we pray, pray for all of God's people, pray particularly for those on the margins, and pray for ourselves as our responses will call us to courage, and compassion and care.

Easter Blessings,
+David

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