PRAYERS FOR RAIN AND SNOW

Here in the Western States we are experiencing one of the worse cycles of drought in our history.

However, our West has always seen periods of drought.  What is new is the population:  many years ago, there were 10 million people in California; today, there are 40 million.

The need for water for such a great number has increased dramatically, creating a real crisis across the State.

And who suffers the most?  As always, the poorest of our people and families.  A family in the San Joaquin Valley gets its water from a backyard well.  However, the water table has dropped tremendously, and the well is not producing any water.  To sink the well deeper would cost at least $10,000 and the well company cannot get to this assignment for at least two years!  Their backlog is tremendous.

The same is true of small towns in the Valley with water systems.  All of their wells are dry.

And so, let us pray:

Our loving God, we are in need of rain and snow.  We realize now, looking up into the clear, blue sky what a marvel even the least drop of rain really is.  To think that so much water can really fall out of the sky, which now is empty and clear!  We place our trust in you.  We are sure that you know our needs.  But you want us to ask you anyway to show that you that we know we are dependent on you.

Look to our dry hills and fields, loving God, and bless them with the living blessing of soft rain and abundant snows.  Then the land will rejoice and rivers will sing your praises, and the hearts of all will be made glad.  Amen.

May our daily prayers reach up into the heavens, and may our loving God pour out rain and snow upon us!!

IMMIGRANTS HELD HOSTAGE BY POLITICS

It is tragic that once again our immigrant brothers and sisters are being held hostage by purely political motives in Washington, DC.

The President and the leadership of the Democrats and Republicans share equally in the blame and for the total inaction in Congress.

For over 25 years we have been attempting update and fix our broken immigration system.  Many fine proposals have been made, good legislative efforts have been debated and discussed, and even a comprehensive immigration effort has been passed in the U.S. Senate.

But that's where everything grinds to a halt.

Our unauthorized immigrants are the ones suffering daily with this inaction.  Many millions live in fear that somewhere during the day they will be stopped and identified as being here without proper documents.  Their children, mostly USA citizens, fear the abrupt apprehension of their parents and their sudden deportation--leaving them all alone in our country without mother or father.

Now the political leaders in Washington acknowledge that nothing will happen during September or October.  Why?  Because of the national elections on November 4th.  One-third of the Senators and all of the House members are up for election, and winning re-election is their only focus and goal. 

The nation's business, and especially bringing justice, respect, and dignity to our immigrants, is all put on hold--once again.

But we, as disciples of Jesus, never give up.  We intensify our prayers, we voice our care and concern for our immigrant brothers and sisters, and we continue to advocate on their behalf.  Like the prophets of Old Testament times, our voices may seem weak and futile.  But they are not.  We remain fully committed to this work of justice, and we will never rest until the rights of all are secured.

May St. Toribio Romo intercede for us before our loving God!