Eastertide
April 11, 2018
When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’
You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. –Psalms 4:4-8
I recently went to bed following the news announcement that some 1,500 Honduran refugees were headed toward the United States trying to escape the deadly environment in which they lived. That night I dreamed of a stream of brown children slogging along in a wilderness traveling north with one boy standing out because he was dressed in a white tunic-like garment that extended from his shoulders to his bare feet. I think it was Christ.
We are experiencing a worldwide refugee crisis. The problem with which Europe is dealing is far greater than the refugee situation in the Americas. Two things that people of faith must consider as we serve in our citizen roles: there are no borders in the Kingdom of God and no one should have to leave their homeland because of fear and starvation. A twofold approach is always required.
The dilemmas presented on the news were the US government announcing that we would not accept these refugees while the Mexican government tries to figure out what to do as the Hondurans were already in their country. What our government seems not to understand is that our detention centers are oases of safety and food compared to the hellhole of violence from which these families are escaping. Our Common Good is enhanced by healthy relationships with our neighbors coupled with our neighbors experience their own Common Good.
There exists an informal continuum of caring in our world that starts with individual acts of love that are without limits but lacking in scope and extends to government programs that are limited by rules and regulations but can provide major resources. Peppered in between are congregations, non-profits, non-governmental organizations all trying to fill gaps. It takes this entire continuum wrapped in the arms of the Holy Spirit to address the needs of our world.
Prayer: Lord, open doors of understanding for us as we attempt to address justice in a world community. for you alone, O Lord, make [all] lie down in safety. Amen.