(Responses from Facebook)
I don't usually comment about stuff I see in the news, but I can't be silent about the Pope's statement today about Donald Trump. Disclaimer: I am a pastor, but these are my own personal opinions. I am not speaking on behalf of any church or nonprofit organization.
From the Bible, I quote Jesus' words in John 10:1 (KJV): "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."
It disturbs me greatly that a lot of people and even many Christians seemingly believe that in order to be a Christian, you have to let the world run over you, take from you, use you and then toss you aside. That is, in a word, ludicrous. Christians are supposed to be generous and show hospitality, but that is a GIVING action, and it is not the same as being VICTIMIZED.
Now, take this sentiment to the next level. I am proud to be an American--a citizen of the United States--and proud of the fact that my country is THE most generous nation on planet Earth. We are constantly GIVING aid to countries in need to the tune of billions of dollars, and our soldiers give their LIVES to help liberate oppressed people everywhere. And besides this, we allow millions of people to immigrate legally to the U.S. every year, staying true to our melting pot culture (of which I am also proud).
What I am NOT proud of is the fact that illegal aliens come by their millions into this country, and for a very long time we have done very little to stop it. Instead of going through the front door which is so prominently open for them, illegal aliens choose instead to climb through a window. According to Jesus' own words, that makes every one of them a thief and a robber. We have allowed this to happen for so long now, people like the Pope and many of our own citizens expect us to just let anyone and everyone TAKE from our country rather than waiting for us to GIVE.
Now, what do people say who advocate for a continuation of the status quo or official amnesty for illegal aliens? Well, those people entering our country are coming here to help their families, and so on. If their motives were pure, why not enter our country the legal way on a work visa? Make no mistake here! A few verses later in John 10:10, Jesus adds, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy". Anyone who does not enter our country the legal way cares nothing about this country or any of its citizens, and they will do whatever it takes to get what they are after!
If you still can't understand, consider this. If your home were invaded, your personal items stolen, your nice things smashed on the floor, and so on, would you not call the police and seek to prosecute the thieves? You would feel violated, wouldn't you? But those people who broke into your home were just doing it to improve their own situation and provide for their families, so why would you? Now, what if someone criticized you for wanting to lock your doors and windows at night? What if they criticized your beliefs and said you weren't being a good example of your faith because you desired to keep the bad guys out of your home?
This is where we are. Now we have a Pope criticizing one of our citizens for suggesting that we should lock the doors of our home to keep out thieves and robbers. He is questioning the faith of that citizen. It shouldn't matter to you what is your political party affiliation or your choice of Presidential candidate. This is an attack on America! This is a criticism of you!
I ASSURE YOU, POPE FRANCIS, WE ALREADY HAVE A BRIDGE. IT IS CALLED LEGAL IMMIGRATION. NOW WE HAVE TO CONSIDER BUILDING A WALL BECAUSE A PREDOMINANTLY CATHOLIC GROUP OF PEOPLE FROM COUNTRIES ACROSS OUR SOUTHERN BORDER ARE IGNORING OUR BRIDGE AND BREAKING INTO OUR HOME LIKE COMMON CRIMINALS.