Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago, I wrote in this column about the protection of human life, particularly here in Massachusetts. As you know, this is considered a controversial topic—but one rooted in morality, natural law and Catholic Social Teaching. I am not afraid to look at the challenging issues of our time, especially as they pertain to the Gospel and the dignity of the human person.
With this in mind, I want to address another difficult issue that touches very close to home: the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for so many people who live in this country, including members of our community here on Nantucket.
Recently, Bishop Brendan Cahill, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, addressed this issue:
“Revoking the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people residing in our country creates a moral crisis when returning to their country of origin is not a safe or reasonable option. If we are truly to affirm the God-given dignity of every human person, we as a nation cannot turn a blind eye to such an injustice and the impossible choices it will create for families and communities.
“Even if the Administration determines TPS is no longer warranted, deferred enforced departure remains a tool available to the President, and we urge him to exercise right judgement in this way. Forcibly sending families to dire conditions is a legacy all leaders should seek to avoid. To that end, my brother bishops and I also continue to call upon Congress to act—to meet this moment with the moral fortitude that is so desperately needed.”
Here on Nantucket, this is not an abstract political issue. For many years, Salvadoran families have been an integral part of the life of our island and our parish. We worship together, work together, raise families together and call this island home.
I recognize that immigration is complicated and that our nation has both the right and the responsibility to enforce its laws. We must protect our borders. People must make every effort to follow the law of the land. But we should never assume that simply because something is legal, it is therefore moral.
As the old Hebrew National Hot Dog commercials used to remind us, “We answer to a higher authority.”
At one time in our nation’s history, it was legal to own another human being. Today, our laws permit the taking of innocent human life in the womb. The fact that something is permitted by law does not necessarily make it right.
Our Catholic faith requires us to look beyond what the law permits and ask a deeper question: Is it right? Does it respect the God-given dignity of the human person?
Jesus reminds us, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” That is not a political statement; it is the Gospel. Every person has a face, a name and a God-given dignity.
As a parish community, may we continue to stand together, pray for one another and remember that our commitment to human dignity cannot change depending upon the issue before us. Whether speaking about the protection of human life or an immigrant family facing an uncertain future, our starting point must always be the same: the dignity of every human person created in the image and likeness of God.
God bless you all and God bless America!
Fr. John
