President Biden declared today national César Chávez Day. When I first moved to California over twenty years ago, on the first March 31st that I lived in the Golden State, my future wife organized an event to honor and celebrate César’s legacy. I learned then of a man I have come to ever more deeply admire….for his faith, for his hard work ethic, and for his commitment to community. These values were engrained in me from my own family while growing up, and are ideals that I strive to impart upon my children as well. César’s partnership with Dolores Huerta to lead the United Farm Workers Movement is an inspiration.
PRAYER OF THE FARM WORKERS’ STRUGGLE
Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration;
So that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow;
So that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.
Amen.
Written by César Chávez, UFW Founder (1927-1993)
Last week I finished Kristin Hannah’s latest book, The Four Winds. I highly recommend this novel, which portrays the life of a family who moved from Texas to work the fields of the Central Valley of California following the Depression. Like so many, they were in search of a better life and sustained incredible heartbreak and challenge with dignity and perseverance. Brigid and I have read many of Kristin’s historical fiction books throughout this past year, and have found them one of the ways by which we keep a healthy perspective…while also “traveling” the only way we can these days. With imagination!
Blessings to you and yours throughout the week ahead.
Keeping the Faith 