Day 123: A WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD IN CRISIS - Refugees

DAY 123

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

Week Eighteen – Wednesday 15 July 2020

A WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD IN CRISIS

Refugees

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget; the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - The Book of Common Prayer: For the Poor and Neglected

They were a young father, a young mother who had recently given birth, and their infant son. Persecution unleashed, they needed to flee, and flee they did to another country where the food, language, customs and religion were foreign, but it was safe. Years later, when the persecution ended, they left their refugee life and returned home. You’ve heard their story many times, for it includes this familiar line: “So he got up, took the child and his mother, and left for Egypt, where they stayed until the death of Herod.” You can read the full story of the God of the universe who was a refugee in Matthew 2:13-20. They were “the homeless and destitute” in our prayer.

The whole basis for the Israelites being commanded to befriend aliens in their midst has its genesis in their own national experience of being aliens and refugees in a foreign land: “when an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living among you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt.” Leviticus 19:33-34. This one is really simple: treat aliens and foreigners in the same way God has treated you. Currently the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports 80 million people are displaced in the world, refugees: “We are now witnessing the highest levels on record.”

Reflective question: Are you willing to explore ways you can be involved with refugees locally?

Reflective Scripture:  Matthew 25:35,37,40 -“’I was a stranger and you invited me in.’ ‘… Lord, when did we see you a stranger and invite you in …?’ ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers you did for me.’”

Reflective hymn:  

“Let Us Build a House” – Marty Haugen (1950-    )

Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone

To heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;

Let us bring an end to fear and danger: All are welcome in his place.