We live-streamed Palm Sunday Eucharist to a digital diaspora yesterday. I recognized the “palms” on the altar from my work in Guatemala. I know where they are grown, and know the people who harvest them. So I sent this photo to friends in Petén, to include and thank them.

My friend texted back with delight. On the left is palma de corozo. HIs people have used it since time immemorial for building waterproof, resilient roofs. On the right is one of the varieties of xate (SHAH-tay), which stays green for weeks after being cut.

Together those two plants provide small but steady income for people in Petén who are trying to protect the remaining rainforest. Much of the xate goes to florists in N America. But right now they can’t export it, so no one is working.

The whole nation is effectively under a 24h quarantine/curfew. Essential travel only. It’s hitting people hard there. My friend once told me his culture’s traditional values: “if I broke my leg, I wouldn’t even complain to my brother.”

Last night, he was on the verge of complaint. He cares for his father, now 82 years old. His father is one of the last people alive who heard the Itzá language spoken by native speakers.

They work to preserve a little section of forest, and to teach kids their traditions. They depend on ecotourism and a little philanthropy. All that has dried up right now.

My friend won’t complain, so I’m complaining for him in my prayers, and in this thread. Feel free to join me in remembering those who, like my friends, live on the edge of survival. Their forest adorns our altar, and supports our prayers.

And of course, they offer us so much more, for so little in return. I texted my son last night and asked how he felt about me wiring some of his inheritance to Guatemala. He’s been there with me, he knows my friends. He said he’d be glad if I did so.

You might not have a contact like that, but whatever you do have, please use it for mutual flourishing. They have placed their offerings on our altars; let us make offerings on their behalf, too.