EPIPHANY V
February 6, 2022
“No Longer Strangers and Aliens”
Have you ever had to flee for your life — to leave your home, your community, and your country, with only a few possessions or just the clothes on your back? We may try to imagine the terror and desperation that accompanies such an intense experience, but it sounds more like the thing of nightmares than our own realities.
Our country is in the process of welcoming large numbers of refugees, many of whom supported and assisted American armed forces during their long deployment to Afghanistan. It’s not likely that any of us have the knowledge or insight as to which of these individuals “should” enter the U.S. or “deserve” to be here. But here they come, and here they are, human beings in desperate need of safe homes and a means to make a living.
As I searched for some information on how assistance was being given to these new residents, it was heartening to see the many groups across the country stepping up and providing many forms of aid. A group in Seattle, “Viets 4 Afghans” were refugees 40+ years ago when they fled war-torn Viet Nam, and they’re paying forward the help they were offered at that time. In every state, churches, interfaith groups, community organizations, and social agencies have stepped up to find sponsors, housing, employment, and the necessities of life for these newcomers.
I discovered through my favorite Bible reference book that the term refugee is not used, but there are descriptions of people as aliens, foreigners, outsiders, and strangers. A refugee is, of course, generally defined as one seeking or fleeing toward refuge, and the Old Testament speaks often of God’s people turning to him for strength and protection, or refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus describes a scene of judgment, and speaks of ministering to those in need, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” (25:35b) and then says, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (25:40b).
Paul’s letters to the new communities of faith emphasize the importance of welcoming strangers: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2) He reminds the Ephesians that Jesus’ sacrifice brings us together into one community: “Christ came and proclaimed peace to those both near and far ; for through him all have access in one Spirit to the Father. So you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (2:17-19, paraphrased).
The hard part comes when we’re called on to welcome people who don’t look like us, talk like us, or share our faith. But these characteristics don’t mean they aren’t also part of God’s family, and as we recall the teachings of our Lord we are assured that through every gesture of kindness, support, and care for the “least of these,” it’s as though we are doing it for Christ himself.
Hoping for opportunity and ability to serve,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers