In these times of unprecedented hostility towards our brothers and sisters who have been enduring dehumanizing obstacles to cross borders and prejudices of all kinds, we are reminded of the Christian summons to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, invite the stranger in, clothe those who need, look after the sick and visit the prisoner (Matthew 25:35-36). These ancient Christian principles should long have been materialized within our hearts as a beacon of light to our consciences throughout our Christian journey in life.
The present reality, however, seems to remind us, again and again, of how often we forget about those principles. How often we forget about our Christian heritage in the face of so many inhumane sanctions against those who flee from wars that have been influenced, and at times even engendered, by the privileged western world. A world that, despite a history intertwined with the migration phenomenon, has been denying the opportunity to a dignified life to the thousands of migrants and refugees who, miraculously, reach its shores. How often, indeed, we forget about Christ himself and his plight for the widow, the orphan, the stranger and the Lazarus of all times and places.
Indeed, the ‘sign of the times’ calls us to listen to their plight and act upon that listening. It calls us to break the walls that divide and isolate the humane within us and around us. It urges us to open the gates that imprison our human hearts and minds and become a true balm to the wounds of our brother and sisters. The ‘sign of the times’ is whispering to you and me to allow our Christian heart to pour the oil of love over their feet. Its low whisper is reminding you and me to let the humane flourish within and around us. Let us listen to, trust and follow, the sign of the times, the blow of the wind in the here and now.
The migration and refugee crisis does concern us all because in its core lies a deep cry for our humanity, the humane within us. A cry to what being a Christian entails and the principles that should illuminate our attitudes towards the other. Ultimately, a cry embedded in the very meaning of being human and the fears and hopes that we carry within. Their silent cry challenges us to reflect upon what is urged from that humanity within you and me. What is demanded from that catholicity that has been poured upon us? Is that humanity a living force that moves us to act with hope or under fear? A genuine encounter with the other can only stem from that ground of hope, the Christian hope that does not cease to persist in the midst of all trials. May hope prevail and move us to embrace the other as we embrace ourselves.
Picture: World Refuggee Day in Glasgow 2017 - Human chain in solidarity with all refugees worldwide.