by Hugo Esparza-Perez, CP

You have to question whether or not the U.S.A benefits by having  Twelve Million (plus) people from flourishing in society. I would say that it does not. Yet, this is the reality of millions of undocumented people in this country. While everyday tasks become harder for these people, the human and social detriment of  these communities continues to dwarf the entire country.  Hence, our democratic process and the pursuit of happiness are hindered for all. How is this so, some may ask. One of the main arguments that people on the different sides of the issue like to use is the economic impact of this group. Unfortunately, none of these sides ever talk openly of the human impact of undocumented people in the Country. Undocumented people are either portrayed as criminals or as lazy, by the opposition, and while by their sympathizers, they are pigeon-holed into the old racist narrative of merit. –here thus the talents and achievements of undocumented young men and women become the only reason for their much needed legalization. We all know, however, that equality and justice should come for both the over-achiever and for the non-over-achiever. This confronts us with a harsh reality, for when citizenship or human worth is based on the generation of income, we all lose.

For these reasons, undocumented youth throughout the country are coming together. Just as in the early sixties college students from Greensboro, N.C. decided to counter the racist backlash of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling to desegregate schools, undocumented youth, with the motto of “unashamed, unafraid and undocumented”, are rising up in Chicago and throughout the country. Inspired by U.S. American ideals, these young men and women, together with their allies, seek to become agents of change in the discussion and legislation of undocumented migration and to work for a more perfect Union, where democracy is a reality outside the voting booth, where justice is for all and where we can be measured by the way we treat the least amongst us.

My work with a local Chicago Group, Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL), came through my volunteering with a workers’ center here in Chicago (Arise Chicago). IYJL in collaboration with other likeminded local national organizations is currently organizing high school and college students from the Chicago area and will be taking its demands to Washington on March 21. IYJL  and its allies will join the  Members of the Ecumenical Days of Advocacy, which include us Passionists in their rally and actions. If you would like to read more about IYJL’s work please follow the links above.

[Picture by Shepard Fairey  http://obeygiant.com/]

Is 53:10-11. Through his sufferings my servant shall justify man, and their guilt he shall bear.

Heb 4:14-16. We confidently approach the throne of God’s grace where Jesus has entered — Jesus who is able to sympathize with our weakness, as he was tempted in every way that we are, without sinning.

Mk 10:35-45. Anyone who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first must serve the needs of all.

Thoughts for your consideration: by Hugo Esparza, CP

With what kind of attitude do I approach my work for justice? This has continually been in my mind as I have embarked on learning the art and science of grassroots organizing. The process of community organizing in this economy has turned out to be really hard. There have been moments where I have prefer to have a car run over me than ask a struggling worker for funds or for volunteering time when he/she could be out looking for work or resting. Also, when I’ve had to demand a pro-bono case from our overworked lawyer allies. At times I have excluded people that I presume will not be able to say yes to one of the needs of the organization.

…a prominent position demands careful exercise of authority.

In today’s reading the community of disciples are at it again. Their feeble characters have encountered a very strong response by Jesus. This response, as always, pushes all of us believers to deeper understanding of ourselves. The event led by James and John reminds us that we lose absolutely nothing by asking something of others. And Jesus’ response to the demand of his friends invites us to reconsider the use of our own authority.

…just as the rulers of the Gentiles…by denying these “needy people” their own power to turn me down or to accept my proposition.

James and John’s naiveté, as implied by Jesus’ questions to them, or their outright selfishness, as manifested by the indignation of “the ten”, only got them a “no” and some grief from their friends. Despite Jesus’ answer they could have attained prominent places, one at the right and the other at the left, when Jesus had entered into his Glory. This tells me that while I have been taught to always make demands of our allies that will further our relationship and collaboration, the example of James and John invites me never to miss an opportunity to do this, in spite of my misgivings. At the same time, Jesus’ response invites his friends to go deeper into themselves, for a prominent position demands careful exercise of authority.

… is all about making and keeping relationships that are approached by just and dignifying dynamics of power.

Grassroots Organizing is all about making and keeping relationships that are approached by just and dignifying dynamics of power. This is the mantra that has been repeated to me over and over by my Grassroots-organizing Gurus. My gut reaction, however, has always been to shy away from demanding money, time, etc. from people I consider vulnerable or in need. Jesus’ words in this passage have helped me to reconsider. It seems that I have also “lorded over them”, just as the rulers of the Gentiles, by denying these “needy people” their own power to turn me down or to accept my proposition. Perhaps, cunningly, I found a rationale to excuse the use of domination in these relationships. Despite my own naiveté and feeble character, I can always count on Jesus to help me go deeper in the attitudes that I use to approach the work of justice.

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group:

Where do you see people competing to dominate and control others?
Or Where do you see people in our world trying to be “servants” to all?
What person or persons in your life has been a powerful example of someone who gives herself (himself) in service to others?