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Yes, I know... this is much earlier than I usually send my Advent/Christmas letter. Let's just say that I am pressed on a number of fronts. There is much that is happening and little of it is positive, but it does tie in with Advent and Christmas. Our Convicted Felon in the Oval Office is "permanently pausing" immigration from a number of poor countries. (This is what is known as an "oxymoron" - when you use two words that somehow contradict each other. If it is a "pause", the presumption is that it will resume, but "permanent" gives the lie to that. Oxymoron means pointedly foolish.) Conveniently, he rationalizes this action by attaching it to the death of a National Guard soldier who was unnecessarily called to DC by HIS administration to address a non-existent problem. He also ignores the fact that it was HIS administration which granted the perpetrator of the crime asylum. His real goal is to remove from the nation those with dark skin. If Jesus himself appeared and applied for a Visa, it would not be granted since he was born in Bethlehem and Bethlehem is in Palestine. That's where Banksy's Walled-off Hotel is - Bethlehem, Palestine. The windows in every room in the hotel look out at the Israeli wall. That is why it is called the "Walled-Off Hotel".

 

 "The president also threatened to “end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our country” and to “denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic security.”" This is where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus head for Egypt. Can you see it now? And a Happy Christmas!

 

It is frustrating, but it is also EVIL. So...what to do? Yes, of course, PRAY. Call forth Michael the Archangel and his reinforcements. LISTEN for the direction of the Spirit. ACT with compassion, confidence, and community. Oh yes, and STUDY. Have a read of "Dilexi Te" from our CEO - Papa Leone. Note the language dropdown if that is helpful - upper right. It was released on October 4th, Feast of St. Francis. If you are Catholic, I hope that you find the link also posted on your parish/Archdiocesan website/social media, but that may just be wishful thinking on my part. In any case, it gives us much which is relevant to reflect on at this particular time.

Sometimes it is easier to see something more clearly when you are looking at something else. At least, I find this to be true. And it can be something quite different - from a distant, unexpected, even fanciful ballpark, one could say.​

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Last night, Friday night, I watched the ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’  30th Reunion Special. It was indeed wonderful and so insightful. You can watch it at the link. It was so family and friends oriented. I was particularly happy to hear from Phil Rosenthal who was responsible for much of the writing for the show. Being a teacher and liking to write myself, I appreciate the opportunity to meet up with the often-unacknowledged writer. And just where would we be without the Gospel writers? So much of the writing it seemed came from the lived experience of Phil Rosenthal and Ray Romano. It is, therefore, important to pay attention to the small experiences of life. I noted the diversity of the live audience - someone even there who had watched the show in the Philippines as a child in ancient times. How about that for a wide reach...

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I noted several things. They spoke about how food was important. Well, that's very Scriptural too. There was the remembrance of those no longer present, both old and young. There was the sharing of "back stories", things not known to the audience or even perhaps to other cast members. Of course, if one is having a "reunion", it is clear that there has been a separation, a departure. Hold that thought. One also notes the profoundly warm and affirming emotional tone of the reunion, how happy everyone was to be there, to see the "others". And, perhaps most importantly, I was struck by the observation that the decision had been made that the last words spoken in the final episode of the series all those many years ago (30) were "We need a bigger table..."

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And so here we are to tie these 2 very different events together.

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When we look at the ICE deportations that are daily posted, that have not provided any opportunity for defense, it is clear that no "bigger table" is wanted, at least for those with brown skin. (6th amendment - criminal cases; 7th amendment civil cases - immigration is a civil offense.) There is that emotional tone as well. Funny thing. Just considering the past Presidents who are living, I can certainly imagine a President once out of office and with the passage of time, having a "reunion" with staff members. There's Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George Bush, Bill Clinton. I can, without any difficulty at all, imagine their having a warm, welcoming reunion with former staff members, sharing stories and appreciation. I cannot conjure up any reunion scenarios involving our Convicted Felon and his former staff members no matter how hard I try. There is no "Everybody loves Donald" regardless of how many times he says "everybody knows", "everybody says", "everybody thinks"...

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And so, what to do? We each have our own circle of friends/acquaintances. How can we make the table bigger? Do we plot, plan, strategize as to how to broaden our circle so as to enhance diversity of one kind or another? What groups might strengthen our bonds with "others"? We may not personally know of anyone who these days is terrified, uncertain, panic-stricken. Is that a problem?

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I am hoping that it may be something to address. I may even be able to help.

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If you are wanting to help someone in need but do not know how, here we are. If you go to the Go Fund Me campaign, you can click on "Read more" and see the Updates as well. Jorge and his wife Navy (NAH-vy) and his family, desperately need our help. No donation is too small.

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