Each day during Refugee Week, we offer Mass with prayer and reflection. Today, we pray for all who work to support and welcome Refugees and Asylum seekers
The Thought
(Matthew 6:24-34)
In a memoir called, ‘In the Wars,’ Dr Waheed Arian, tells the story of his childhood caught up in the war in Afghanistan, finally fleeing to the UK where he trained as a doctor and where he works today in emergency medicine as well as pioneering an international medicine charity which changes lives around the world. He recalls how one day, as a child, his father had told him of their new plans. ‘We are going on a journey, Waheed,’ he told me. ‘To a peaceful place where we can all be safe together. ’‘Where is it?’ [I asked.] He put his arm around my shoulders and pointed to a distant peak, ‘Do you see that mountain over there?’ I nodded. ‘Just beyond that mountain.’
In today’s gospel, Jesus embraces the worries and concerns which all of us experience at times, and comforts us by reassuring us that each of us is valued by God. Millions of people throughout the world are displaced by war and forced to seek sanctuary somewhere – sometimes by any means possible to them. Many are moved by traffickers who take a fee. For some, the route is dangerous and can even lead to death.
What lies beyond the mountain is the hope of a different life, a better life, a safer life. May we create a culture of welcome and concern for all those who leave their homes behind in search of safety and peace, and support so many organisations which exist to offer support. If we are the ones they meet beyond the mountain, what kind of welcome will they receive? In what ways can we make them feel at home?
The Prayer
Invitation to Prayer: Dear friends, as we worry about so many things, let us trust in God, as we pray for all who work to support and welcome Refugees and Asylum seekers, and for all our needs and concerns.
Intentions
We pray for those who witness to Christ by the way they welcome those who are in need, for the Church’s ministry to refugees and asylum seekers.
We pray for those who speak up about the value of every human life, and for all who seek justice and peace.
We pray for those who stand up for those who are in danger and all who give a voice to the vulnerable.
We pray for those who go out of their way to welcome all who arrive in our city seeking safety, a place to call home.
We pray for those who give of their time freely in service of those who seek sanctuary in our city and throughout the world.
We pray for those who look out for all in need and all whose lives have been weighed down by worries and concerns, whose memories are painful, whose burdens are heavy.
We pray for our departed loved ones, the recently departed, those whose anniversaries of death occur today, and all who have died far from home and loved ones.
The Bible Readings
The Bible readings for today’s celebration can be found here:
The Programme
For our full programme for Refugee Week, visit https://southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/refugee-week-2024/
Mass is celebrated today (Saturday 22 June) at St Mary’s Church at 1130am
South Cardiff Ministry Area 