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October 17, 2011
St. Ignatius of Antioch (Bishop and martyr)
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I Am Compassionate
 | | Sojourners pamphlet on immigration |
The scripture readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time leave no doubt as to where people of faith should stand in today's anti-immigrant culture. "You shall not molest or oppress an alien ... " (Ex 22:20). The Lord's words to the people through Moses come not as an invitation, but a clear command with the reminder: " ... for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt." Aliens are followed by widows, orphans and poor neighbors. These people stand in front of the line for special concern under the social laws for, in God's own words: "I am compassionate" (Ex 22:26).
Later, in the Book of Leviticus, God will direct the people not to sell land in perpetuity "for the land is mine, and you are but aliens who have become my tenants" (Ch. 25). Francis understood that we are all aliens on Earth, all immigrants and migrants. His Admonition 14 maintains that the truly poor in spirit "live in this world as pilgrims and strangers." Francis' life of "minority" matched his words.
When Jesus responds to a scholar of the law who asks which is the greatest commandment, he closely links love of God and love of neighbor as the pillars on which "the whole law and the prophets depend" (Mt 22:40). We know from other gospel passages that Jesus included in his definition of "neighbor," everyone, including the stranger, the outsider, the "alien" who was not even a Jew. In this order of love, it is not enough to refrain from molesting or oppressing an alien; like Jesus, we must reach out in love to welcome and embrace the stranger.
If we in the 21st century grasped this truth, would we oppress the alien by building fences to keep people out and issue only a small number of visas to allow them in? Would states enact laws designed to drive out undocumented immigrants or arrest, detain and deport them? Would Congress refuse to enact comprehensive immigration reform to fix a broken and inhumane system? If the scriptures have it right, Earth, the USA included, is the Creator's, and we are all tenants and pilgrims. Rather than oppress each other we are commanded to love our fellow aliens as we love ourselves. This is God's law, which surpasses all the human laws fashioned to rid a state or country of immigrants who come here illegally because legal entry is denied them. The Golden Rule, a core teaching in all major religions, is profound in its simplicity, but very difficult in practice. FAN offers simple ways to live out this teaching.
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Block the Expansion of E-Verify
H.R. 2885, Expansion of the Employer Electronic Verification System (E -Verify), was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in September. Efforts are underway by faith communities and others to urge Speaker Boehner not to bring it the House floor. Members of the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants legislative committee (including FAN staff member Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF) are visiting the offices of Catholic Republican Representatives to convey this message. Calls to these Representatives from constituents would be positive action. For more on E-Verify and how to respond, see the Justice for Immigrants website.
OTHER NEWS: The recent Alabama law is even more abhorrent than Arizona because it particularly impacts children. Follow what is unfolding in Alabama and find out if there is similar legislation brewing in your own state as it is, for example, in Pennsylvania.
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Food Day: Recognizing the Gifts of God
 Next Monday (October 24) is national Food Day, on occasion to give thanks for the gifts God has given us and seek more just ways to cultivate the earth and honor human labor.
 The Food Day website offers resources and local events. Please see what is happening near you and considering adding a Franciscan presence!
- Sr. Marya Grathwohl, OSF's interview with farmer Chris Merkel of the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Ind.'s Michaela Farm
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As We Continue to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of St. Francis...
Remember Il Poverello by Alleviating Poverty
Last month, U SCCB President Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan wrote to his brother bishops to highlight concern for the 46 million persons living in poverty in the U.S. who represent 15 percent of the population. In his letter, Archbishop Dolan asked bishops to use their role as "pastors, teachers, and leaders to focus public attention and priority on the scandal of so much poverty and so many without work in our society." He also directed the bishops and those at the diocesan and parish level to consult USCCB online resources on unemployment and poverty "for preaching, educating the faithful and advocating on behalf of the poor and jobless."
Noting that "the underemployed and the unemployed are not issues, but people with names and faces," Dolan emphasized that "[i]t is an essential part of our work as Catholics to build a more just society and economy."
READ MORE of Archbishop Dolan's letter
Life to the Full with Francis
 "I came that all might have life, and have it to the full!" St. Francis lived his life fully by following in the footsteps of Christ, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Francis reverenced all life at every stage.
Kent Ferris, SFO, FAN Action Commissioner and JPIC Chair for the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, shares his reflections on the consistent ethic of life.
Visit the USCCB Respect Life Program website for resources on this theme.
Be Instruments of Peace 
October 27, 2011 is the World Day of Prayer for Peace: Spirit of Assisi, which marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking interreligious event in Assisi in 1986. The Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province (OFM) offer resources to observe this day on their website.
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Respond to Human Trafficking: Time is Running Out
Take Action  Although Congress missed the Sept. 30 deadline to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), U.S. programs to combat the multi-billion dollar human trafficking industry are running for the moment. It is important to pass this legislation before Congress adjourns for Fall recess. The Senate Judiciary Committee will reconvene this week to reconsider the legislation. Please e-mail your Senators, or call call the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask for your Senators' and Representative's offices. Ask their staff to support S. 1301 (for Senators) or H.R. 2830 (for Representatives), the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.
Please Join Us!
 Human Trafficking: Epidemic Contemporary Slavery Conference Wed., October 26, 2011
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. FAN and CUA's Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies are co-sponsoring this conference on human trafficking in cooperation with Franciscans International and the Franciscan Federation. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking (pictured at right), will be the keynote speaker. Visit the Institute website for more information or to register.
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FAN Letter to the Budget 'Super Committee' Calls for Protection of the Poor
From a letter sent Oct. 13, 2011:
"Dear Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction,
As a Franciscan faith-based organization, we urge you to find solutions to the nation's deficit that do not further burden poor and vulnerable populations. The Federal Budget is not a balance sheet but rather a moral statement reflecting the values and priorities of our great nation as a community and as citizens. Matthew 25:40 says: 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me!' We ask that your recommendations adhere to a fundamental principle to maintain adequate funding for programs serving those most in need. ..."
Read the Letter
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PRAYER FOR THE 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
O God, strengthen us in spirit and in truth. May we do with loving hearts what you have asked us to do. Grant this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(Prayer for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise)
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Mission Statement
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. |
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On Oct. 6, Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM (Holy Name Province) represented FAN in a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones (pictured at right) on the Keystone XL, a proposed pipeline from tar sands oil extraction in Alberta, Canada to refineries in Texas. On Oct. 7, Fr. Jacek testified in a public hearing on the subject.