Ash Wednesday: A Reflection on Faith, Struggle, and Compassion Amidst Crisis
On February 18, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of introspection and penitence for millions of Christians across Southern California. Catholics, along with other denominations, gather in churches, awaiting their turn to receive a smudge of ashes on their foreheads—a physical reminder of their sins, yet also an invitation to seek redemption. Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, during his recent homily, emphasized the need for compassion, urging the faithful to become “people who heal, make peace, and bear witness to His love.” But for many in the archdiocese, this day coincides with profound crises that challenge their faith and hope.
The Landscape of Fear
As communities come together this Ash Wednesday, many individuals carry emotional burdens shaped by ongoing immigration policies and societal upheaval. This reality is especially poignant for undocumented immigrants facing detention or deportation under the enforcement actions of the Trump administration. The former administration’s focus on mass deportations has left entire communities grappling with fear and uncertainty. Archbishop Gomez acknowledges these struggles, stating that the government’s efforts to target undocumented immigrants can tip into a realm of violence and cruelty.
Federal immigration agents continue operations that evoke a spectrum of emotions, from anger to despair. Many Christians are left to reconcile their faith with the actions of their government, prompting a landscape where beliefs clash with policy. The tension between the call to love and serve the vulnerable and the harsh realities of immigration enforcement creates a palpable strain in the communities of Southern California.
The Church’s Response: Healing Through Action
In light of these challenges, church leaders and community advocates have stepped forward, emphasizing the church’s role not merely as a place of worship but also as a sanctuary for those in need. Isaac Cuevas, the director of immigration and public affairs for the archdiocese, highlights the church’s commitment: “Our role is to uphold the dignity of every human person,” he said, advocating that the church accompany those who find themselves vulnerable in the face of systemic injustices.
In preparation for Ash Wednesday, many parishes have taken proactive steps. The Rev. Francisco Gómez of Our Lady of Soledad Parish in Coachella introduced innovative solutions, offering Ash Wednesday packets for those too afraid to attend mass due to immigration enforcement. These packets included a guide for prayers and readings, along with ashes, symbolizing a community that refuses to leave its members behind despite the looming fear of detention.
Symbolism of the Season: A Journey Through the Desert
Lent traditionally symbolizes a journey—mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert—and for many community leaders, this season resonates deeply amid the struggles faced by their congregations. The Rev. Gómez draws parallels, reminding the faithful that they are not alone in their suffering. “The journey of those 40 years is a journey of being in a place of slavery to a place of freedom,” he explains. This sentiment serves as a beacon of hope, urging the faithful to see in their trials a reflection of Christ’s own suffering.
Prayer and Activism Go Hand-in-Hand
As Ash Wednesday approaches, the call to action intensifies. The Pasadena Clergy Community Coalition, made up of around 200 church and community leaders, has engaged in rallies and protests against unfair immigration policies, standing in solidarity with affected families. The Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton of Sacred Resistance articulates a commitment to accompanying migrants through the maze of legal challenges, advocating for justice and dignity.
In this season of Lent, the call to prayer is complemented by a call to action. Cuevas emphasizes that “prayer is central, but it is not passive.” Community support can range from providing legal assistance to simply being present for friends and neighbors in distress. It’s a reminder that faith manifests through concrete actions of solidarity—small gestures that, when multiplied, can create significant change.
The Struggles and Solidarity of a Divided Community
As the Lenten season unfolds, leaders like Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino express deep concern about the treatment of immigrants. He asserts that the current methods of enforcement violate human dignity, calling out the brutality of political actions while also stating that unlawful entry into the U.S. is not condoned. This dual commitment—to uphold both justice and compassion—mirrors the complexity of faith in a turbulent political climate.
The fear surrounding Ash Wednesday is reflected further in Gomez’s parish, where community safety concerns may dampen attendance, falling short of the thousands who participated in previous years. Gomez believes that the innovative Ash Wednesday packets could counteract this fear, allowing community members to engage in the ritual within the safety of their homes.
A Time for Reflection and Reform
Despite these difficulties, there is a strong sense of solidarity amongst community members, who find strength in shared experiences. Together, they confront not only the fear of deportation but also the broader societal implications of inhumane immigration policies. In an increasingly political landscape, church leaders are called to navigate these turbulent waters, urging their congregations to respond with compassion, uphold the dignity of all people, and champion reform.
This blend of faith, resilience, and outreach underscores a pivotal aspect of the church’s work in contemporary society—serving as a refuge and a source of empowerment for marginalized communities, especially during trials that threaten their very existence.
