A forced journey

Jesus himself experienced migration! Not only did he descend from heaven to earth, but, as a human being, he had to flee to a foreign land.

Joseph and Mary, Jesus's earthly parents, were ordered by an angel to leave Bethlehem and take refuge in Egypt to protect their son's life. Herod, fearful of losing his power, had ordered the slaughter of all boys under two years old. Imagine the uncertainty, fear, and concern these parents felt for their son.

Thus, Jesus and his family, like countless families throughout history and today, suffered forced migration, victims of violence and abuse of power.

What challenges did Jesus and his family face? The unfamiliar language: communication, a basic need, became an obstacle. Joseph likely had difficulty making transactions, buying food, or simply greeting his neighbors. Adapting to a new culture, with its flavors, customs, and rituals, was also a challenge. Cultural differences, such as hygiene and eating habits, can lead to misunderstanding and rejection.

The Gospel of Matthew narrates this episode:

«After the wise men had departed, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, because Herod is about to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up while it was still night, took the child and his mother, and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. (Matthew 2:13-15)  

Today, many families face great challenges: separation from relatives and friends, lack of access to basic services, discrimination, a failing economy, and loneliness. However, amid these difficulties, hope in Christ remains, offering comfort and strength.

After a hasty escape, with no time for goodbyes or packing essentials, they settled in Egypt. Once the initial difficulties were over, the Lord commanded them to return to their homeland! (Matthew 2:19-20) A new uprooting, a new beginning.

Jesus knows the reality of arriving in a foreign country out of necessity, not as a tourist. He experienced displacement, adaptation, the language barrier, scarcity, strange foods, and different customs. However, all of this was part of God's plan of salvation for humanity. His Son also embodies migrants, and in him we can see the Father's love and compassion for strangers: “Do not mistreat immigrants, for you know very well how an immigrant feels, because you were an immigrant in Egypt” (Exodus 23:9 PDT).  

So, as a church "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2)"How can you show compassion toward migrants in your daily life? What barriers do you need to overcome to welcome foreigners into your community?

Prayer for migrants:

Our Lord, you know the heart of the migrant, their uprooting, displacement, and nights of danger, we ask that every migrant may experience your presence in the midst of challenges, joys, and sorrows. May the light of your hope shelter, comfort, and strengthen them. May your Church be sensitive to their needs and welcome them with love.

In your name, amen.

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Student: Martha Rodríguez

Puerto Rico

Student: Norma González

USA