“La Ley” – The Law

Paulina's Briefcase - Mexican Labor Law Book on the left; AVON catalog on the right

Last week I had the opportunity to preach at the First Presbyterian Church of Edinburgh, Texas. The Gospel selection was a familiar one “The Good Samaritan” – Luke 10. This passage seemed so appropriate given the work Tamara and I were blessed to witness with the maquiladora workers in Reynosa and Rio Bravo, Mexico. The focus of our gathering was not only to say “hello”,  catch up with what is going on in the world, or even to explain why we are here from NYC, but to join in their “lucha” (struggle) for fair, safe and healthy working conditions.

Helping women become their own “lawyers” and understanding the power of negotiation is a conversation that I can not recall every being a part of before.  I am accustomed to Bible Study groups where I come as a leader or as a participant with my Bible, notebook and highlighter – ready to learn, discuss and share. The gatherings that we have witnessed with the women in Reynoso and Rio Bravo were carried out in the same spirit of inspiration, and motivation but the central text of these discussions was not the Bible or the daily newspaper but rather “La Ley Federal Trabajo del Mexico” – Mexican Labor Law.

On the way back last Saturday Ed asked Tamara and I if we have ever encountered the United States Labor “Law Book.” Our response was “No” – in fact it never crossed our minds to go buy one, search for it online or even borrow it from the library. The difference in how one works for justice, respect and equity became quite apparent. For these women having a clear, succinct knowledge of the “law” is a bedrock and necessity for their struggle. This has been one of the concrete “things” that Ed’s work has given them. Ed has inspired and enabled these special women to pick up a “law book” and be empowered by it NOT intimidated by it.  This “law book” for these women has become in some ways their “Bible” providing a sense of direction, hope and new expectations for how their working lives, careers should be crafted and sustained with dignity. This “book” sets the rules and makes it clear that although their jobs are at the bottom of the totem pole they still have rights – they too are people.

I was particularly struck by Paulina, one of the promotoras. She carries a pink and black AVON briefcase. In the front pockets of her “briefcase” is the Mexican Labor Law book on the left and her AVON sales catalog to the right. If what we carry is an indication was is true and dear to us, I am happy to make the assertion that for Paulina Mexican Labor Law (worker’s rights) and AVON (women’s empowerment and beauty) are central to her being and provide her the drive and income to stay in the “lucha.” What sorts of books do you carry in your “bag” or sit on your nightstand, desk or bookshelf? What words, laws, phrases give you hope, provide promise or have helped to ground your being – your sense of personhood?

For these women the Mexican Labor Law book is the book that clearly dictates what they deserve as workers. They will not give up until the “law” manifests itself in their workplace.  The “law” as these women see it is their lasting hope for equal, fair and just treatment. The challenge that these workers left me with is how do I understand the “law?”  How have I used the “law” to help in my struggle for justice and equity? How can “knowing” the law help in bringing down an deeply entrenched and often unjust system? How can I/we as I/we do justice work be a part of the process that creates laws that empower and uphold dignity? How do I speak against “laws” such as the Arizona “SB1070: show me  your papers law” that seeks to polarize and essentially shame those with proof and those without? How does one rise up “against” laws that do more harm than good? How do we organize, negotiate, sit at the table with lawmakers, CEOs and managers as these women do and bring to their attention their “breaking” of the law? How can/does the “law” hurt or bless the enterprise of believing that we are all a part of God’s creation, which means that we all deserve a chance to live, survive and prosper?

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus arrives at this story by way of a question being asked by a lawyer. The lawyer wants to know “how do I inherit eternal life?” Jesus doesn’t answer the question, but rather does a Jesus “typical” thing – he answers the question with another question – “What does it say in the law?” The lawyer I can imagine just blurts out verbatim what the “law” says – “you should love the love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, body and strength and love  your neighbor as yourself.” After answering the question, Jesus responds “do this and you will live.” This question prompts the lawyer to ask “well who is my neighbor?” And there Jesus responds to the question using an illustration of the Good Samaritan who cared for an injured man while the priest and the Levite “stepped over him.”

The “law” was very clear as to how one can inherit eternal life – how one can live free – how one can live in a world of justice, community, hope and love. But, the implementation or execution appeared to be a bit problematic, challenging. It challenged this lawyer to not only think about his vertical relationships, but his horizontal ones as well. The “law” if fulfilled correctly was not only concerned about keeping things in balance with God, but also with one’s neighbors, community. The “law” that Jesus has called us to follow, plant and blossom in our hearts is one that does not cut or put off, but rather expands and embraces all those whom we come along with.

Jesus sets the record straight about the “law” and what it really means and what it has the capacity to be and do if we make an earnest attempt to learn it and use  it in our lives. The maquiladora workers in Mexico, through the help and gentleness of Ed, have come to know the “law” for themselves.  In their coming to know “the law,” these women have given life to their families and communities; they have ensured that their bodies are not exploited and are given the proper rest and nourishment; they have shown that the “law” is just not applicable to some but applies to everybody. I am convinced that these women will inherit eternal life not only because of their spiritual discipline, confidence, values but because they see the hope in how the “law” when used for good is a pathway to life and love.

Paulina and her briefcase

Mexican Labor Law Books