Welcome The Stranger

My thoughts are beginning to lean in the direction of the AIAIA delegation returning to our lives back home. I share these words from Fr. James Martin, entitled What Jesus Never Said,

“Feed the hungry only if they have papers. Clothe the naked only if they’re from your country. Welcome the stranger only if there is zero risk. Help the poor only if it is convenient. Love your neighbor only if they look like you.”

I am most grateful for this twenty-fifth family reunion with our South African cousins. I have purposely stepped away from the stress and division that separates our nation back home. It became important, if not vital for me to be present to the gift of pure joy and gratitude that many of us have come to embrace in our years of creating relationships in Africa. I am grateful for the steadfast support of so many people at home that continue to believe in and actively support the mission of AIAIA. My prayer upon returning to the USA is that we can receive the gift of joy and hope from our African family. May we once again remember our founding principles and always welcome the stranger and love our neighbors without condition.

Unconditional love is rarely convenient, however, it is imperative to our survival as a nation.

Peace,
James Cassidy
Chair Emeritus AIAIA.