Novena time. It really has been a long time since I've blogged. I started this blog all those years ago because I was rediscovering my Catholic faith through the old traditions and practices here in Santa Fe. There is a rich culture here, a product of the melding of the native and Hispanic cultures that have been here for generations. New Mexico's history goes long before any European ever set foot on the soil of what has become the United States. It's quite a legacy considering what is going on presently in our nation and how the current administration is defining what is American Citizenship. I can say that my ties to this soil go back to at least 1600, when my European ancestors came to this land. More than likely, I have ties going back further than that because I'm pretty sure that my bloodlines contains native DNA.
I still am sad and angry to see millions of people with familiar last names, a common language being targeted because they are undocumented. New Mexico, like much of the former Spanish southwest, has been welcoming to immigrants and people from other cultures. We have valued our multicultural heritage and have been a beacon to others. We don't like racism, intolerance and bigotry here. We are not immune to it because it does exist, but I think our voices of acceptance, love and welcoming are louder than the hate. When I see what is going on in the nation right now, the targeting of immigrants, especially the undocumented my heart aches. The divisions in my country are shameful and unjust.
As we, here in Santa Fe, honor and venerate our beloved Lady, during this novena, this promise made to her, we hope and pray for peace. Today, the priest led prayers for the leaders of this country to do the right thing, but there is so much division and animosity right now, I wonder if the prayers will fall on deaf ears. I am certain that God hears our cries, but the people whom the cries should reach simply do not care. They people in the positions most able to help do not. They would rather see the majority suffer so that they can get richer by taking away fundamental needs from the poor, the hungry, the sick, the young and the helpless. They are a cold, callous lot.
Sure there are people who don't believe in God and that's ok. They say the prayers are useless, and while that is possible, we also need people to take action. You don't have to be a believer to want to take action, to help our vulnerable population. If it's just a phone call, a letter or a protest, that is action. If it's filming and preventing another kidnapping by ICE that's helping. If it's speaking out about injustice, that is action. I admit, I've sat on my hands quite a lot in my life but now, I"m doing what I can beyond sending "thoughts and prayers," But as a believer in something bigger and higher than me here on Earth, I have to admit, it helps too.
I think the collective thoughts and prayers of those who really care and act to make a difference help. Note the word act. Action does speak louder than words. Though, using your words while doing action is a very helpful tool.
