To the editor: In the past more than 30 years I have seen so many miracle stories when a mentor extends big brother or big sister “open arms”, as Father Gregory Boyle puts it in his included article to help a child from a marginalized community. Youth who grows up in dysfunctional environments can still succeed with the friendship and guidance of a devoted friend who chooses to be the 'weapons of God'. (“The problem with JD Vance's theology of massive deportation”, opinion, 17 February)
Even one in our community of a better life robs us all hurts. Research done by my organization shows that communities win in the form of higher tax revenues and reduced crime when we help each other.
Vice -President JD Vance's quote from St. Thomas Aquinas to justify the treatment of immigrant communities by the Trump government did not go far enough. Even Aquinas said on his deathbed: “Everything I have written now, so much straw now appears.”
When our knowledge fails or divided, we need compassion. Paraphrasing father Boyle, who shows kinship to the unwanted, brings us all the joy.
Ken Martinet, Los Angeles
The writer is president and chief executive of Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters or Los Angeles.
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To the editor: Thank you, father Boyle, for the new life of my struggle to respect my Christian neighbors who voted for leaders with common, divided policy.
Vance's claimed compliance with a theological hierarchy for whom-to-in-What-order did not help my struggle. His voice by St. Augustine only convinced me that those with whom I offer are an endangered minority in a religion who has always found ways to corrupt the teachings of Jesus.
I may not sleep as easily as those who use their faith to justify their human limitations. But thanks to Father Boyle I am reminded that I have good company in my spiritual insomnia.
Carol Flint, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Finally, a voice of loving witness calls from the wilderness!
Almost digested by fire, we listen to Father Boyle who leads us to live with love for the most vulnerable and frightened among us.
Contact the immigrants who re -fill detention centers, set aside with the responsible managers to do their work of ministry on the hopeless throughout America and the world. We have to look at each other to come up with lives, combined by the homies of Father Boyle who embraces God's complete love.
May it be. Amen.
Nan Cano, Westlake Village
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
