What a Week! Candelaria, Misa Feb 5, 9am, Newman Center.

(Read the full newsletter here: http://billroth.net/files/pedigo/Feb217Newsletter.pdf ) 

From Fr. Jon: 

What a week!  Sweeping changes in foreign and domestic policy were announced and cabinet positions were voted on and we had unprecedented protests at airports and universities!  As I was watching the news and reading the reports on the public reaction, I was drawn back to an old childhood song from the 1960’s at the hight of the Vietnam War protests, “The Times, They are a Changing” by Bob Dylan.   

This song captured the power of the moment: People were agitated and calling for change. The country was caught up in a war that that claimed more and more lives, the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing and the Farm Workers were beginning their campaign for justice in California.  From the vantage point of time, we can look back at the 1960’s and see the power of the people caught up in a strong social justice movement. Yes, some strikes and protests were quite violent; however, the most powerful strikes and protests used non-violent tactics.  

Influenced by Gandhi, Dr. King and Cesar Chavez committed themselves to a non-violent movement for social change.  Both leaders struggled to maintain the high road of non-violence. Their strength to lead came from a vision of a society in which all people are treated with equal respect and tenderness. In their vision, conflicts were resolved through dialog and the bounty of the earth was shared equally by all. Race, national origin, and creed did not divide the people because Dr King and Cesar’s vision was a vision of radical inclusion. Our Movimiento de Solidaridad (Solidarity Movement) is built upon the foundations of Christ, Gandhi, Dr King and Cesar.  

Over the past few weeks we have been reaffirming our individual and collective commitment to a non-violent solidarity movement. We have also been very explicit about radical inclusion: we welcome all persons unconditionally and we also affirmed out commitment to create a better society in which discrimination and intolerance are nothing more than a bitter memory of the past.

Last week we gathered input for a “Pastoral Plan” for El Grupo de Solidaridad.  We will distribute the results this coming weekend at our Misa de Solidaridad, February 5 at 9 am at the Newman Center, the corner of San Carlos and 10th Street. Following the Misa we will have a sign up for a planning committee for our Ash Wednesday action and service. Our theme for this week is, “An All Inclusive Vision Requires Courage.”

Next Misa de Solidaridad: Sunday February 5, 9 am. 

Next Misa de Solidaridad will be at the Newman Center, Corner of 10th and San Carlos.  Following the Misa we will celebrate “Cadelaria.”  Please bring your appetites for tamales, champurado, cafe, and Mexican hot chocolate!  You are also welcome to bring food to share. We will also be signing up for a planning committee for our Ash Wednesday action and service.  

Yours in Christ, 

Fr. Jon.