‘Some are on their way from afar, others from the north and west.’
‘(see Isaiah 59:8-15)
In his selection of poems ‘On the Move: Poems about Migration,’ Michael Rosen writes, “Everyone comes from somewhere | Everyone has a past | Everyone is somewhere first | Everyone is somewhere last.” There are occasions when some may criticize the welcoming of so many refugees believing that money and resources could be spent on more pressing needs. The reality is that the UK welcomes fewer refugees than some countries in Europe and around the world.
The family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took refuge in the land of Egypt to escape terror and death threats, and we can only imagine their experience of fleeing to a foreign land. Each person who leaves their home for somewhere safe, has their own story and experiences to share. Some have left behind family and friends and possessions, and many people will have experienced the death of a loved one along the way.
The recent decision by the UK Government to send refugees from here to Rwanda caused moral outrage and challenge from many areas, and reignited the debate of the passage that refugees are forced to take. Wherever we are, and whatever contact we have with refugees, may we work to create a supportive and welcoming environment, treating each person with dignity and respect, sensitive to their past, and offering a place to call home where they can be somewhere at last.
PRAY FOR those who work wo welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers, and for a compassionate government here and around the world.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 