La Sagrada Familia -- Kelly Latimore
May the Christ who walks on wounded feet walk with you on the road.
May the Christ who serves with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart open your hearts to love.
May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet,
and may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you.
A friend who is 40-ish has been in the unusual role of providing support to a Nicaraguan man, a refugee from the violent regime of Daniel Ortega. Ortega was once a freedom fighter but over the years since coming to power he has become a dictator. The refugee, whom our friend has never met, has been in Canada for several years and lives in a city far from her home, but she lived in Nicaragua for a time, developed other friendships there, and speaks Spanish. She is a compassionate person and a Christian so she continues in this odd but vital relationship.
Clerics of the Roman Catholic church in Nicaragua has been outspoken against the tyranny of the regime despite the resulting threats and imprisonment. Some have gone into exile and recently the bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Roland Alvares, was arrested and put in jail. Christians have gathered for vigils and commemorations even though they are banned from doing so and end up at risk as a result.
I'm often struck by the indifference of many Christians to their own faith while sisters and brothers in faith around the world bear faithful witness even when this may result in persecution. Our prayers and our actions are important, as well as our willingness to support those who flee oppression.
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