Weekly Reflection: Refugees in the Bible and at the Border

Jan 12, 2023

As Christmas becomes a memory and we move into this new year, it is easy to forget the part of the Biblical story of the child Jesus after the familiar scenes in Bethlehem. Following the visit of the Magi (wise men), there is the terrifying account of king Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus whom the Magi had identified as the new king of the Jews. Herod ordered the murder of all boys two years old and younger in the vicinity of Bethlehem. Jesus avoided this atrocity, because Joseph obeyed directions from God that came to him in a dream. He quickly gathered his family, and they fled to Egypt as refugees. The picture posted above is a moving depiction of the exhausted Holy Family at rest during their flight to Egypt.

I cannot see this picture or read that story without connecting it to the plight of refugees at our southern border. President Biden’s recent trip to the border renewed the national debate about immigration reform policies. As important as immigration policies are, I want to share the words of Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso who also serves as the chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has made it a priority to spend time with immigrants including refugees along the border and to provide both material and spiritual nurture to them. Based on these relationships, Bishop Seitz said the following:

“Immigrants have had the experience of leaving everything that helped them to feel at home and secure in this life behind, and to depend utterly on God as they journey “They have so much to teach us about how God will accompany us on our journey.”

These insightful words emphasize both the humanity of those along the border and reject the racist and criminal stereotypes that are prevalent in debates about immigration policies. Even more importantly, the Bishop challenges us to learn from them about vulnerability and trusting God. This does not replace the need for good immigration policies, but it does remind us that those impacted by policies are people made in the image of God. Consistent with the Bishop’s perspective and the Biblical story of Jesus as a refugee, I want to share a poem and a short video. Please reflect on these and feel free to share.

Refugee: A sonnet for Epiphany by Malcolm Guite

 We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,

Or cozy in a crib beside the font,

But he is with a million displaced people

On the long road of weariness and want.

For even as we sing our final carol

His family is up and on that road,

Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,

Glancing behind and shouldering their load.

Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower

Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,

The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,

And death squads spread their curse across the world.

But every Herod dies, and comes alone

To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.