This week has brought a number of urgent communications.  Most of them are coming out of Springfield.  Haitian faith leaders are inviting allies to come and show support for the Haitian community, now actively targeted by ICE with ankle monitors, detentions, and threats of deportation.  There are trainings and service opportunities today through Sunday, with sign-ups open through tomorrow HERE.    

Most of us can’t respond to short-notice urgent calls, and in a time of multiple crises it’s a continual challenge to stay both engaged and grounded within one’s limits. 

Also this week —

As of yesterday, all three of our daughters are back in school – college and high school.  This time of year I’m always especially grateful to the caring adults giving themselves to the education and formation of young people.

Pope Leo recently wrote: “School is the place where new generations can learn to seek and love the truth, to reflect on the meaning of life and to recognize the dignity of every person.” (Magnifica Humanitas, p. 121). 

It’s a lofty vision for an education system in the US often struggling to just manage all the societal burdens that show up in students’ lives and misguided policies.  But we need lofty visions to remind us of why this matters, and what is possible.  The work of teachers is an investment in slow growth.  It’s a long game for all of us.  Truth, meaning, and dignity – a fitting prayer for students, educators, and lifelong learners everywhere.

May Spirit guide and strengthen us through the urgent and the long game.

Joel