mexican christ ???

Father Bob Carney

The last days of Advent are a time when we anticipate and prepare to
celebrate the birth-day of the One who comes to save, the poor humble
man from Nazareth. I recall the ancient story of that pitiful time when,
mother, father and son fled into the desert. What fear must have been
in their hearts as they set out to face unknown dangers. Knowing the
dangers of the desert, in desperation they had no choice but to heroically
take the risk hoping, against impossible odds, they would find welcome
and safety in a foreign land.  And, when they reached the land of hoped
for security they were met with a virtual wall of rejection and hostility. 
They would knock on door after door only to be turned away, only to
hear the voices of those warm and comfortable in their homes say, "go
away, you are not wanted here, go back to where you came from."

When I reflect on this story I cannot help but think of the thousands
of parents and children who, in desperation, make a similar choice and
face the dangers of the desert to come north in the hope of finding work
with decent wages. I have listened to countless mothers and fathers say
"Why? Why are we being treated so badly? We had no other choice, we wish
harm to no one and yet we continue to live in fear that harm may be done
to us, and that is no way to live. Why Padre?  Are we such horrible people
that we are turned away and told that there is no place for us in this
land of immigrants in this the land of the free?

I do not despair because I know of places where the rejected poor are
treated with respect and they are able to find welcome and shelter. These
places of hospitality are dotted along the frontera with many of them
just across the line in Mexico. These beacons of hope are known as Migrant
Resource Centers. One of these centers is at the Mariposa Crossing on
the west side of Nogales, Sonora.  US-based groups No More Deaths, Tucson
Samaritans and Green Valley Samaritans staff the aid station along side
many Mexican volunteers – some of them deported migrants.

I am filled with gratitude. Not only am I grateful to the many volunteers
and donors that help maintain this center of hospitality, I am also
grateful to the State of Sonora Commission for the Attention of Migrants
(Comision Estatal para Atencion a

Migrantes) under the leadership of Sr. Jose Antonio Rivera-Cortes,
our much respected and loved 'Profe'. support from the Commission, Profe,
and many Mexican volunteers that we have been able to assist over 200,000
injured, beaten, hungry and thirsty women, men and children in the 18
months that the aid station has been open.

I have seen people barely able to walk, exhausted from the journey and
confused by the US deportation process enter the center with a vacant,
fearful look in thier eyes, frightened children clinging to their mother
being met by the Profe and the volunteers, giving themselves to welcome
these children of God. How many broken bones and ankle sprains have been
treated?  How may thousands of blistered feet have received attention? 
How can you measure the reassurance that a smile and comforting word can
bring? 

Our marginalized brothers and sisters coming out of the desert on their
way North have time and again taught me humility and compassion that leads
me back to the path of justice that prepares the way of the Lord.

1. VOLUNTEER: People of all ages, backgrounds and levels
of experience are needed to provide humanitarian aid, staff medical clinics,
help with office and campaign strategies, and assist with multimedia documentation…and
more! Volunteer information and applications can be found on our website,
or you can contact us to have one mailed to you. Call, e-mail, or attend
a No More Deaths meeting in Tucson or Phoenix to learn about current updates
and opportunities.

2. DONATE OR RAISE MONEY FOR NMD: Feeding migrants,
staffing humanitarian and political campaign work, and getting volunteers
out in the desert to provide aid to migrants all takes money.  We
appreciate any help you can give! (Make checks payable to St Mark's
Presbyterian Church and note "No More Deaths" in the memo line.) Click the
"Donate Now" icon to the left to make a secure on-line
donation.
http://nomoredeaths.org/