It’s not hard to find grim stories about the victims of human trafficking. Just as disturbing is the reality of the untold stories of millions of unheard people living tragic lives, whether halfway around the world or right next door. Advocates and networks struggle to guess the number of modern-day slaves around the world, with estimates ranging from 27 million to 40 million. And one, of course, is one too many.
This article looks at one person fortunate to have avoided enslavement. It’s important to keep in mind as your class considers this positive outcome how badly things could have gone. It calls to mind the Church’s focus on human rights and the responsibilities that come with them. Help students connect with similarities and contrasts to Prospélanda’s life. Explore the responsibilities we bear for this stranger who is our neighbor.
Invite students to brainstorm a list of the people and things that provide protection for them and their way of life. Encourage them to consider their home, school and other places they function every day. Items could include:
- School or home security systems
- Military personnel
- Law enforcement officials
- Mall cops
- Satellites
- Nosy neighbors
- Family dog
- Computer virus/malware protection
- Parents
- Parents’ finances
- Economic stability of their community or country
- Health insurance and medical care
These suggestions, like those your students will brainstorm, are not exhaustive. Encourage them to be creative, adding in items only if their thinking stalls or ends.
As brainstorming ends, ask:
- Which of these protections can we live without?
- Which could be compromised? For example, if we quarrel with our parents, are they less likely to support or protect us?
- Which of these do we go through most days without giving any thought to?
Conclude by saying:
“Not everyone has the same degree of stability and support in life. Billions of people have no financial safety net or people to protect their rights and safety. The Catholic Church puts the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. It’s important to be aware of people who are vulnerable, what can happen to them and how we can help.”
Loving God, too many of your daughters and sons live in fear.
They are vulnerable to poverty, violence, oppression, war and so many rips in the fabric of life.
So many suffer as we neglect their conditions, while still others take advantage of them.
Lead us, Lord, to appreciate the gifts we have and to praise you by using them to lift up our brothers and sisters who live in danger. Give us the courage to protect their dignity and their lives.
Amen.
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