Be Salt and Light In Spaces of Darkness and Pain
Aeschbacher, IRM
Accompaniment
Coordinator
~ Today’s readings reflect humanity’s fall into sin and brokenness; a violent and isolating state that drives us apart from God and one another, on both personal and systemic scales.
One look around quickly reveals that our country’s immigration system and enforcement policies are entrenched in this brokenness, too. Families are torn apart daily through unnecessary detentions and deportations (here in St. Louis, the Rapid Response Hotline reported that 89% of the detentions in 2025 happened because of traffic stops, and did NOT involve any sort of criminal history for the individuals who were detained). Our immigrant neighbors, who are following all the rules – going to check-ins and court dates, getting work permits and the like – live in constant fear of being separated from their loved ones, simply because they speak another language or have black or brown skin.
This is broken. This is painful. This is not how things should be.
While it can feel overwhelming to know how to respond, there are tangible, practical ways to come alongside our immigrant and refugee neighbors. IRM’s Accompaniment Program offers a variety of ways to support people through loving presence, solidarity, and service. Whether offering support at ICE check-ins, driving people to appointments, getting students safely to school, offering hospitality to the visitors who knock on our door, bridging communication barriers through interpretation, or providing compassionate presence during home visits, volunteers are able to be the hands and feet of Jesus to people throughout our community who are in desperate need of support and care.
Other IRM volunteer opportunities abound (including volunteering at the food pantry, helping with childcare, or working on administrative tasks) – so if you feel a nudge to help in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to connect you with any area of service that most fits your gifts!
As followers of Christ, we are called to be a blessing in the world. Part of that involves loving and serving our neighbors, including the foreigners in our midst. Our world is hurting and broken, but we are able to be salt and light in spaces of darkness and pain. It is in these spaces where we encounter the presence of Jesus among His people; especially those whom our world has pushed to the margins (Mt. 25:35-36, 40).
If you’re interested in volunteering with IRM, or have questions about the Accompaniment Program, please contact me at accompaniment.irm@gmail.com or (314) 328-9580. I look forward to connecting with you. Thank you for loving Christ by loving your neighbors!
Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff or ministries on a rotating basis.
