To be a Witness

17Nov
Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me.  
Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.  
-Psalm 51:12,13


Pictures of the plight of the refugees in our country haunt me. They blend in with the accounts of refugees in the Middle East and the stories of my friends who are exiles from Turkey.  


The are many stories of refugees in the Bible: Abraham who left his home never to return; Hagar and her son Ishmael; Joseph who was sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers; Moses and the Hebrews fleeing from pharaoh into the desert. I also think of refugees Jesus, Mary and Joseph seeking safety in Egypt when King Herod sent the soldiers to kill the new King of the Jews. I remember the early Christians who left their homes to escape Roman persecution. 


How do we respond to the plight of refugees – regardless of their circumstances, or home land?


Often I feel that our most immediately important job is just to be a witness, to listen to their stories, to be present with them in their suffering: That is what my Turkish Muslim friends taught me recently when I was on retreat with them in Pennsylvania. Mahmoud, who was the head of an international business consortium before seeking asylum told me: “I really appreciate your listening. It is a great psychological need we have to tell someone what happened.” I think this is similar to what my friends in prison mean when they say “Thanks for coming, for remembering us.” The same is true when someone is sick or grieving: the mere presence of another person is comforting. This is part of Jesus’ promise: “When two or three are together in my name, I am there.” 


For me, “just” listening, being there, or “just” bearing witness does not seem like much to do in the face of such great suffering and need. But that, with prayer, is a marvelous place to start.


One of the ways that a group of us in New Orleans bear witness is to offer food and support to refugees who are experiencing food insecurity. We partner with Families Unidas in Accion (Families United in Action) to supply staples of beans and rice for their weekly distribution to families in need. 


Musical Reflection  - Let us Be Known for Our Love - The Porter's Gate


Most merciful Lord, source of all goodness, bless all who are seeking safety. Give them the peace that the world can not give so that, being delivered from all fear, they may live in peace and quietness. Give us grace to respond with open hearts, homes, hands, and love in your name. Amen.

Love Your Neighbor

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