God of Refuge

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” – Matthew 25:45 

We who love Jesus can’t stay silent as the U.S. Border Patrol attacks asylum seekers with violence and tear gas.

We can’t entertain the harmful talking points that dehumanize asylum seekers.

I imagine what Jesus might say when we neglect the call to welcome the stranger:

“They’ll take our jobs. We already have enough homeless and unemployed people in the U.S. without adding more.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16)

“Good Christians have no right disrupting deportations or protesting on behalf of the asylum seekers.” Jesus taught them, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

“My family has food and shelter. I’m not concerned about anyone else’s.” Jesus answered, “’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31b)

Jesus was born in a manger to a family fleeing harm. He took on flesh to show us how to make more room at the table. Jesus was killed because his divine love for marginalized people always put him at odds with the rules of the state.

We can’t align with Jesus and support the atrocious violence at the U.S border—these texts won’t let us off that easy. 

The God of refuge calls us to extend refuge to others and dwells with us as we choose to protect the most vulnerable.

Prayer

Help me embody the lessons of my refugee savior. May Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection move me to be what the world needs in this moment. Amen.

About the Author
Marchaé Grair is the Director of Public Relations and Outreach for the Unitarian Universalist Association and a member of South Euclid United Church of Christ, South Euclid, Ohio.