Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Numbers 11:25-29 | James 5: 1-6 | Mark 9: 38-43, 45,47-48
World Day of Migrants & Refugees
Some reflections on the readings for today lead us to look at who or what we should discard, shun, discount or get rid of. For some that might be money, belongings, an excess of clothing, an overabundance of unnecessary material possessions or superficial relationships that feed our ego but offer nothing to nurture others.
Some reflections take us down a different path suggesting we do for others no matter how insignificant the action may appear. Jesus encourages inclusion and equality. He suggests offering a cup of water to those who are thirsty. We might offer a listening ear to a troubled child or a comforting shoulder to a peer who has lost a loved one.
It is ours to choose exclusion or inclusion. We can treat all equally or we can show preferential treatment to those we meet daily or once in our lives. We can invite people to join us at our dinner table and the table of the lord. Or we can wine and dine with those who will help us achieve our personal pleasures and help us climb the ladder of, so called, success.
Aside from the words in our scriptures today, we are called by the words of Pope Francis in his message to us on this 110th world day of migrants and refugees.
Amnesty International reminds us that every day, all over the world, people make one of the most difficult decisions of their lives: to leave their homes in search of a safer, better life. We tend to label or call them migrants, refugees or asylum seekers.
They are called migrants if they leave their country of origin because they want to work, study or join family in another country.
They are considered refugees if they have fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution there.
They are called asylum seekers if they have fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution but are not legally recognized as a refugee in their new land and are waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim.
Whether migrant, refugee or asylum seeker, our prayer is that they experience god as their traveling companion throughout their journey.
Pope Francis says “god not only walks with his people, but also within them.” May we welcome them as such.
Sr. Ellenrita Purcaro, OP
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