El Paso Mission Exposure Trip - 5 - The Way of the Cross

A small group of Columban contacts in Britain spent Holy Week 2016 on a Columban Exposure Visit to the US-Mexico border. Mark Brown, a teacher based in Dorset, shares his experience.

The Way of the Cross.

Today we woke early to join the community of Anapra, in Mexico as they followed the 'Way of the Cross'. Myself and Fr Bob began our journey at the chapel we had visited for Mass last night whilst the female members of our group joined Sai, a Columban lay missionary who had kindly hosted them the night before, at the main parish church. We soon merged into one procession as we followed the cross up Mount Anapra.

As we did so I reflected on our visit so far and the lives of those we have been truly blessed to have encountered. I would like to share some of my reflections with you:

Jesus Is Condemned to Death. All those who are 'undocumented' migrants. How often do we make accusations about immigrants that are totally without foundation? We know so little about these people and their suffering and yet we are quick to condemn them with our hearsay and prejudice. Statistically immigrants are far less likely to commit a crime in the USA than those born here. Am I prepared to correct those who make such allegations?

Jesus Takes Up His Cross. I thought of the farm workers who rise each morning just after midnight, with little more than 3 hours sleep, to search for work to feed their family who they rarely see. Who are paid so little, so that we can live in comfort, but do so silently, asking nothing in return. Am I prepared to question where my food comes from and the conditions for those who produce it?

Jesus Falls the First Time. All those, because of the colour of their skin, or the place of their birth fall through the system and are treated as criminals when all they wish for is a safe life for themselves and their children.

Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother. I thought of the mothers of Juarez, Mexico who have seen their sons murdered and their bodies left on the street.

Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross. I prayed for the wonderful Columban Missionaries, Father Kevin and Sai, who walk along side their parishioners in Anapra, risking their own lives to walk with the poor and oppressed. Am I prepared to walk with the poor and help stop injustice?

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus.We saw the face of Jesus in so many members of the community we met in Anapra, who welcomed us so warmly into their community. Would others recognise the face of Jesus in me?

Jesus Falls a Second Time.For all those who find themselves in court, confused by the language of the state. Unable to afford decent representation and so place their future in the hands of ill prepared attorneys and translators who badly translate.

Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem. Ruben Garcia from Annunciation House who reminded us that simply feeling sorry for the poor is not enough. They do not need our tears but for us to change our behaviour.

Jesus Falls the Third Time.That I may stop being part of the problem, destroying God's beautiful world and begin to think more ethically about how I live and how I use the world's resources.

Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments.The workers of the maquiladoras, or factories across Juarez, who are denied basic rights and live on a wage so far below the poverty line, so that we in the west can buy cheap products. Am I prepared to shop more ethically so others can simply have enough to eat?

Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross.For those who flee dangerous homelands and come to the wealthy west seeking safety and sanctuary but instead find their family separated and are detained in detention centres. May we speak out against systems that degrade and humiliate rather than show compassion and Christ's love.

Jesus Dies on the Cross.All those men and women who have disappeared over recent years.The children who were taken from their families to be used for organ 'donation'. Rosa's brother and sister who died because they saw too much.All those who refused to pay 'safety money' to the gangs.

Jesus Is Taken Down From the Cross.For the staff of Annunciation House and those who offer free legal advice to the undocumented. For the Columban Missions here in El Paso and all those who care for those who feel that nobody cares and educate us so that we might do better.

Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb.That I might not be a secret witness to Christ like Joseph of Arimathaea, afraid to share my faith. That what I have seen and heard this week may not sit hidden in the tomb of my memories but used to educate others and change my life, so that the poor may live the resurrection.