Witness

On each Friday during Lent we attend a prayer service in front of the White House in the spirit of repentance for the sins we as a nation commit. This past week was Haitian solidarity week. After reading off the names of people (Americans and Iraqis) killed in Iraq, we bore witness to the part the US played in undermining democracy in Haiti by overthrowing the democratically elected President Aristide before his term was over. I helped to hold a sign saying "War Is Not the Answer," and watched as people walked by nonplussed on their cell phones or in their tour groups. I probably would have walked right by as well. But despite the fact that not many people understand nor care about what we do each Friday, I still get the feeling that what is being done is important. Somebody has to do it. Somebody has to be sorry.

Also this week we attended a Mass in commemoration of Sister Dorothy Stang. She had lived and worked for over 20 years as a missionary in the Amazon of Brazil, defending the forest and standing alongside the people as they fight to protect their land and simple way of life. A couple of weeks ago she was shot in the face three times, murdered by businessmen greedy for the land. She is now a martyr, a light in the darkness, a true example for us all in this self-absorbed society. I have no doubt she's chillin at the Eternal Banquet!

p.s. I'm not sure who's all reading this but thanks to all of you who posted or emailed me. It meant a lot to hear from you.