A Home for All
Pastor Jason As we continue to reflect on how we can pray for everyone, especially those with whom we may not agree, those we may consider an enemy, those who we may not understand, and those from whom we may live very differently, we invite you to reflect upon the words of this prayer from Pope Francis.
This prayer is for people who are fleeing their homes. Yes, this ties into immigration. No, we will not all agree on national policies related to immigration. However, we can all pray for folks to have a home. And the prayer for home is a prayer that (1) honors God, (2) respects the lives and experiences of those fleeing their former home, and (3) respects our different ideas about how we address immigration as a nation.
So, may this prayer from Pope Francis be our prayer today.
Merciful God, we pray to you for all the men, women and children who have died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life.
Though many of their graves bear no name, to you each one is known, loved and cherished.
May we never forget them, but honour their sacrifice with deeds more than words. We entrust to you all those who have made this journey, enduring fear, uncertainty and humiliation, in order to reach a place of safety and hope.
Just as you never abandoned your Son as he was brought to a safe place by Mary and Joseph, so now be close to these, your sons and daughters, through our tenderness and protection.
In caring for them may we seek a world where none are forced to leave their home and where all can live in freedom, dignity and peace.
Merciful God and Father of all, wake us from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to their suffering, and free us from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and self-centeredness.
Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, to see that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters.
May we share with them the blessings we have received from your hand, and recognize that together, as one human family, we are all migrants, journeying in hope to you, our true home, where every tear will be wiped away, where we will be at peace and safe in your embrace.
Amen.
Pope Francis