Each year World Refugee Day is held on 20th June. On this day we are invited again to hear the cries of our brothers and sisters forced to leave their homelands and families because of persecution, natural disasters, violence, war or climate change. (refer Brigidine Congregational Forum 2016)
We are invited too to remember the challenge Jesus gives us: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:36)
On World Refugee Day, let’s renew our efforts to respond with hospitality and hope wherever we live and work and to support those seeking refuge.
God of our Wandering Ancestors, long have we known that your heart is with the refugee: that you were born into time in a family of refugees fleeing violence in their homeland, who gathered up their hungry child and fled to an alien country.
Their cry, your cry, resounds through the ages: “Will you let me in?”
Give us hearts that break open when our brothers and sisters turn to us with that same cry.
Then surely all these things will follow: ears will no longer turn deaf to their voices. Eyes will see a moment for grace instead of threat. Tongues will not be silenced but will instead advocate and hands will reach out – working for peace in their homeland, working for justice in the lands where they seek haven.
God, protect all refugees in their travels. May they find a friend in me and so make me worthy of the refuge I have found in you. (US Catholic Relief Services)
For more information on one Brigidine way of supporting refugees go to: Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project – Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP)