As Catholics we hold the sanctity of human life as an inestimable truth (E-Pistle Message)

This week, faith leaders across Texas and the nation joined with government leaders to advocate for an end to the exploitation of children and human trafficking. Pope Francis has called human trafficking, “…a scourge against human dignity.” This is of great concern since the United States is ranked as one of the worst countries globally for the crime of human trafficking, with Texas ranking number two in reported cases.

Human trafficking is not simply a civil issue.  As Catholics we hold the sanctity of human life as an inestimable truth and the dignity of the individual as a basic human right. In protecting the vulnerable among us, especially those who are being trafficked, we care for our brothers and sisters who suffer from a poverty of power.  In the Eucharist and the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are made aware that Christ resides in each of us.  Thus, the sin of human trafficking is a sin against the Body of Christ.
 
Rooted in biblical teachings, social justice has and remains central to our Catholic faith.  This week we consider the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, celebrated on Monday January 17.  On Saturday, January 15, I will be celebrating a Mass for Peace and Justice, asking God to continue to infuse each of us with a deep concern for our brothers and sisters who experience discrimination of any kind.

I pray that our faith journey will lead each of us to a profound encounter with Christ and a renewed reverence for one another in Christ.