From the Pastor's Desk | July 13, 2025

​Focus | Seeing Christ in the Immigrant​​​

​Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties Refugee Services​​​

Gospel Reflection 

At the conclusion of today’s Gospel - the parable of the Good Samaritan - Jesus asks the scholar of the law, “Which of these, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He replies, “The one who treated him with mercy.” And Jesus responds with a simple, powerful command: “Go and do likewise.”

This parable is more than just a moral lesson - it is a challenge to our assumptions about mercy and moral responsibility. Two passersby, likely of the same heritage as the victim - fellow Jews - walk by without helping.  In fact, each pass by on the other side so as to avoid the victim altogether. But a Samaritan, considered an outsider and even an enemy by the Jews of that time, is the one who stops, shows compassion, and takes action.

What does this mean for us today?

In light of my recent reflections on immigration, I believe Jesus’ words -“Go and do likewise”- speak directly to one of the most divisive issues today. Immigration is not a simple matter of party politics or policy platforms. It is deeply human and deeply moral.

When we talk about immigration, we are often referring to a wide range of people: migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, the undocumented, and those who have entered through legal means. Grouping all of these into a single category obscures the real human stories, the particular needs, the dignity of each person, and it makes our discussions all the more challenging.  

Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of two essential truths:

1. The dignity of the human person is paramount. Every human being is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–31). In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds us: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Human life is sacred—from conception to natural death—and every person has inherent dignity, no matter their immigration status.

2. Nations have a right to regulate borders and ensure public safety, but this must be done with justice and compassion. 

These two principles can create tension, but they are not contradictory. Rather, they call for the challenge of balance: upholding the right to migrate while ensuring order through humane and fair policies.

We must resist policies or rhetoric that dehumanize - anyone. This doesn’t mean open borders or ignoring legitimate concerns about security. It means that our response to immigration must reflect our faith and the teachings of the Church.

Catholic Social Teaching also reminds us of the “preferential option for the poor.” So many immigrants flee conditions we would never accept for ourselves or our families including violence, poverty, war, and persecution. They leave everything behind in hope of a better life. We cannot ignore the poor and vulnerable. We are called not to be passersby, but rather to act.

I want to take a moment to express how proud I am of our Vincentians and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul here at St. Martha. They quietly, faithfully serve the poor and marginalized - Catholic and non-Catholic alike. They embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan choosing to act rather than pass by.  

The Church is not silent. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform - laws that are fair, just, and rooted in Gospel values. But the Church also asks each of us to act. Here’s how I think we can respond to Jesus command to “Go and do likewise”:

1. Advocate: Through the Michigan Catholic Conference, we have a powerful voice locally. I encourage you to visit their website, explore their advocacy efforts, and especially read the March 2025 issue of Focus: Seeing Christ in the Immigrant.  In addition, please peruse the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website to learn more about the Church’s advocacy efforts in the United States.  

2. Serve: Support the work of our Vincentians and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul through your generosity of time, talent, and treasure. They are a lifeline for many in our community.

3. Serve: Contact Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties to discern how you might be able to help particularly with refugee services. 

4. Pray: As I said a couple of weeks ago, prayer is not empty rhetoric. It is powerful and it moves hearts—ours and God’s. Let us pray for immigrants, for our lawmakers, for our country, and for our bishops who continue to be a voice for the vulnerable.

5. Give Thanks: Continually give thanks to God for the myriad blessings you have received - life, economic stability, food, security, housing, community, your parish, family, freedom, etc.  Part of our thanksgiving is regular worship at Sunday Mass and supporting your parish through your time, talent, and treasure. Gratitude rather than entitlement changes our perspective and moves our hearts.    

Let us truly hear Jesus’ words: “Go and do likewise.” Let us see the humanity in every immigrant - a person worthy of mercy, justice, and love.  

Know of my prayers for you all! 

Fr. Ryan