Love the Stranger: remembering that the Holy Family were refugees. A reflection from Caritas, Diocese of Plymouth
Love the stranger then, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Deut. 10:19)
As we prepare for the joy of the coming of Christ at Christmas, with nativity scenes of welcome and belonging, where even oxen have a place at the manger, we are invited to reflect on how we are responding to the Gospel call to welcome the stranger – including those fleeing conflict, persecution, natural disasters and poverty.
Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees wrote: “Scripture tells us: Love the stranger then, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:19). The word stranger is variously translated as foreigner, immigrant, sojourner or alien. However, the message remains consistent: those arriving from other parts of the world are our sisters and brothers. We are called to see Christ in them, for all people are created in His image. And we are called to see ourselves in them, for we all share this common humanity.”
Suspicion and hostility towards migrants ignores the imperative to protect human rights and respect human dignity. Pope Leo XIV recently said: “refugees must not be met with the coldness of indifference or the stigma of discrimination upon reaching new lands in pursuit of a better life”. He urged Christians not to flee “to the comforts of our individualism” but to open our arms and hearts “to those who arrive from lands that are distant and violent”.
“Love the Stranger” is a detailed presentation of a Catholic response to refugees and migrants.
December 18th is observed as International Migrants Day by the United Nations. This year’s theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” highlights how human mobility drives growth, enriches societies, and helps communities connect, adapt, and support one another. We can take this opportunity to reflect on the uncertainty and difficulties currently faced by people coming to the UK and to heed Pope Francis’ call in Fratelli Tutti to all people of good will to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants.
We can also celebrate the many gifts that migrants bring to our country and our Church. Across the Diocese, new worshippers bring warmth, energy, and diversity to our communities. In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Pope Leo said: “In a special way, Catholic migrants and refugees can become missionaries of hope in the countries that welcome them… with their spiritual enthusiasm and vitality, they can help revitalize ecclesial communities… Their presence, then, should be recognized and appreciated as a true divine blessing, an opportunity to open oneself to the grace of God, who gives new energy and hope to his Church”
More than 2,000 years ago, the Holy Family themselves fled to Egypt to escape danger. They would have faced fear, hardship and uncertainty as refugees, in their quest for sanctuary and peace. As we observe the radiant joy and hope of the nativity scenes at the close of this Jubilee Year, we are reminded that we too can share that hope by welcoming and supporting those who seek safety today.
If you would like more information about the work of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth please contact caritas@prcdtr.org.uk