Your faithfulness radiates, Lord. Psalm 89:9
“Beautiful You are; why has the earth become like this?”
As I reflect on the state of the world, I can’t help but acknowledge a harsh reality: corruption is everywhere, and it touches us all. When people claim, “I am not corrupt,” I can only smile gently. The truth is, we all have moments of dishonesty, no matter how small. Corruption comes in many forms and at varying levels, but at its core, it is a universal human struggle.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mexico’s criminal justice system faces enormous challenges, particularly with pre-trial detention. Nearly half of the prison population consists of individuals awaiting trial, often for years, due to delayed court proceedings. This leads to severe overcrowding, with prisons operating well beyond their intended capacity. The lack of legal representation, especially for marginalized communities, only deepens this crisis.
Organizations like Amnesty International have shed light on arbitrary arrests, limited access to defense attorneys, and distressing reports of torture and mistreatment in detention centers. The statistics are sobering:
- Pre-trial detention: Approximately 42% of inmates in Mexico are still awaiting trial, a rate among the highest in the world.
- Overcrowding: By 2020, the prison system was operating at 118% of its capacity.
- Prolonged Detention: Some detainees spend more time in pre-trial detention than the maximum sentence for their alleged crimes.
- Torture and Ill-Treatment: Reports highlight inhumane conditions, particularly during arrests and interrogations.
- Access to Legal Representation: The justice system struggles to provide adequate legal defense, especially for those who lack the resources to secure a lawyer.
I read these facts and sigh deeply. When will it end? Am I up against something too vast, too broken to change? The weight of it all can feel overwhelming. But then, I turn to God, my constant source of strength. I read the Psalms aloud, finding comfort in the words: “I sing, for Your love is forever… Your faithfulness is as firm as the sky.”
A Higher Power in the Fight Against Injustice
The reality is that I can’t do this alone. I know Jesus can. He conquered death, corruption, and brokenness on the cross. That’s why, when I pray for those caught in this cycle of injustice, I trust that Jesus opens doors and guides me. I lean on His love, His strength, and His faithfulness to stay the course.
My prayer is simple: “Lord, help me remain uncorrupted in a world that is so broken. Help me be a vessel of Your love, so I can guide others toward hope and redemption.”
Will you join me in this journey? Together, through prayer, support, and action, we can make a difference.