'Under His Wings You Will Find Refuge': Psalm 91 was the Divine Shield of 'El Mencho' and 'El Mayo'
Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', and Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, leaders of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, shared a belief in the protective power of Psalm 91.
Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as 'El Mencho,' and Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada represent the upper echelons of Mexico's drug cartels. They not only led two of the most notorious and violent organizations in the narco world but also shared a common belief in the divine protection afforded by Psalm 91 from the Bible. This passage claims that no calamity or plague will approach those who have faith, epitomizing a paradox present in the lives of these individuals who, despite their apparent security, ultimately faced retribution for their actions over the decades.
The idea of faith plays a significant role in the culture surrounding drug trafficking in Mexico. Religious figures like Jesús Malverde, who is not recognized by the Catholic Church but revered among criminals, symbolize the intertwining of spirituality and illegality in this context. Other Catholic saints also feature prominently in the belief systems of drug traffickers, reinforcing the notion that faith can protect even the most notorious figures from harm. However, the narrative reveals an underlying irony; despite the fervent religious inclinations, both Oseguera and Zambada eventually fell victim to the realities of their criminal lifestyles.
The implications of this phenomenon extend beyond the immediate sphere of narcotics. It exposes a troubling intersection of faith and violence, offering insight into how deeply embedded religious beliefs can coexist with a life of crime. The case of 'El Mencho' and 'El Mayo' serves as a reflection on how individuals might seek solace in faith against a backdrop of moral contradictions and grave consequences, ultimately reminding us that no amount of divine belief can shield one from the consequences of their actions in the eyes of the law and society.