Read more about the work of human rights defenders around the world.
The Guapinol river in Honduras
Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, ‘Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?'
Today’s gospel is one of a number of occasions where we are told people want to kill Jesus. It reminds us that his public execution came as no surprise to him – Jesus constantly walked courageously towards the cross, standing against the power of evil in the world.
On 14 September 2024, Juan Antonio López, a community leader and environmental defender in Honduras, was shot dead by several men as he travelled home from Mass. Just days before, he had denounced the corruption within local and central governments in Honduras in a press conference.
López and other defenders had been fighting for over a decade against a giant mining project contaminating the Guapinol river. The Guapinol used to be a flowing river, with lush trees on either side of its banks, surrounded by the green hills of the National Park. Today, the water levels are so low that rocks are exposed on the riverbed. The community, who depend on the river and its habitat, must now resort to using small wells along its banks.
Just as Jesus remained steadfast and committed to his mission despite the danger, across the world brave environmental and human rights defenders face intimidation and even death. This Lent, let’s stand in solidarity with them, raising our own voices courageously to stand up for what is right.
Prayer
God of life,
be with those who risk everything
to stand up for what is right,
and inspire us to walk with them
in solidarity, as we follow Jesus.
Amen.
Act
Read more about the courageous and inspiring work of human rights defenders, in our article originally written for Human Rights Day.