Novena for Solidarity with Migrants Catholic Charites Southwestern Ohio

Transcription

1 Novena for Solidarity with Migrants Catholic Charites Southwestern Ohio Sunday, October 14, 2018, is the canonization of Pope Paul VI. Among his many prophetic witnesses, the Holy Father advanced the Church s teaching on the realization of life and human dignity in the developing countries of the world and migrants forced to flee for a better life. The novena begins on this day and continues to October 22, the Feast of St. Pope John Paul II, who also spoke of our Christian calling to welcome the migrant. Through the intercession of these saints and many others, we pray for greater respect for migrants in our culture and strength for their journeys. Each day of the novena includes the following Opening Prayer: A Prayer for Global Migration Adonai, Lord and Master, Many are the journeys your people have taken: Abraham s journey led from fear to understanding; Moses journey led from bondage to liberty; the disciples journey led from death to new life. Even today, your people journey immigrants and refugees, pilgrims and nomads, searching for hope, searching for opportunity, searching for peace, searching for you. Lord, I know that I too am called to journey. Yet too many times, I have heard your call, and my feet have remained unmoved. Continue to call me beyond my comfort and into encounter. And when I meet a companion on the road, may we find you in each other s embrace. Let us share the journey. Amen. Source: Share the Journey ( Scripture for the Day Reflection for the Day for the Day Closing Prayer for the Day 1

2 Day 1 Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, Which is the first of all the commandments? Jesus replied, The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. The scribe said to him, Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And no one dared to ask him any more questions. Reflection: St. Pope Paul VI, Populorum Progressio, nos That is the goal toward which we must work. An ever more effective world solidarity should allow all peoples to become the artisans of their destiny. Up to now relations between nations have too often been governed by force; indeed, that is the hallmark of past history. May the day come when international relationships will be characterized by respect and friendship, when mutual cooperation will be the hallmark of collaborative efforts, and when concerted effort for the betterment of all nations will be regarded as a duty by every nation. The developing nations now emerging are asking that they be allowed to take part in the construction of a better world, a world which would provide better protection for every man's rights and duties. It is certainly a legitimate demand, so everyone must heed and fulfill it. Human society is sorely ill. The cause is not so much the depletion of natural resources, nor their monopolistic control by a privileged few; it is rather the weakening of brotherly ties between individuals and nations. How might our world look more like God s kingdom if we could love our brothers and sisters in other countries as ourselves? Closing Prayer: To Reach Across Borders Lord of All, Some of us make our homes on hills, others in valleys. Some in tall buildings, some on shorelines, some at risk on the street. And we divide up our patches with lines we scratch into the ground And call them borders. Where the lines don t suffice, we build fences. Where fences fail, we dig moats. Where moats aren t enough, we erect walls. 2

3 But what if we were to look across these borders? Across fence, moat, and wall And see you on the other side? Lord, teach us to reach across all borders, Fabricated or natural, To join with all our brothers and sisters. To unify, and not separate. To honor all who wander. Seeking hope, seeking opportunity seeking you As assuredly as we seek you Lord, let no border ring our hearts. May we find a place within them for all. Turn our hands from building walls Toward building justice. Stretch our arms across fence, wall and moat. To seek out those on the other side. That we might find you in each other s eyes In each other s hands. In each other s wounds. Amen (Source: Catholic Relief Services) Day 2 Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13-15 The Flight to Egypt. When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, * and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him. Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. Reflection: St. Pope Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens, no.17 We are thinking of the precarious situation of a great number of emigrant workers whose condition as foreigners makes it all the more difficult for them to make any sort of social vindication, in spite of their real participation in the economic effort of the country that receives them. It is urgently necessary for people to go beyond a narrowly nationalist attitude in their regard and to give them a charter which will assure them a right to emigrate, favor their integration, facilitate their professional advancement and give them access to decent housing where, if such is the case, their families can join them. Linked to this category are the people who, to find work, or to escape a disaster or a hostile climate, leave their regions and find themselves without roots among other people. It is everyone's duty, but especially that of Christians, to work with energy for the establishment of universal brotherhood, the indispensable basis for authentic justice and the condition for enduring peace: "We cannot in truthfulness call upon that God who is the Father of all if we refuse to act in a brotherly way toward certain men, created to God's image. A man's relationship with God the Father and his relationship with his brother men are so linked together that Scripture says: 'He who does not love does not know God' (I Jn. 4, 8)". How might I treat the next migrant family differently if I saw in them the Holy Family? 3

4 Closing Prayer: Good and gracious God, we thank you for the gift of families. We are grateful for all of the joy and love that they bring into our lives, and we ask that you provide special protection for all families, particularly those who face hardships as they move in search of a better life. Show mercy to those who travel in danger, and lead them to a place of safety and peace. Comfort those who are alone and afraid because their families have been torn apart by violence and injustice. As we reflect upon the difficult journey that the Holy Family faced as refugees in Egypt, help us to remember the suffering of all migrant families. Through the intercession of Mary our Mother, and St. Joseph the Worker, her spouse, we pray that all migrants may be reunited with their loved ones and find the meaningful work they seek. Open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality for all who come in search of refuge. Give us the courage to welcome every stranger as Christ in our midst. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Copyright 2010, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. Artwork: Br. Michael McGrath, OSFS. Publication no. M Day 3 Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:34-40 Then the king will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous * will answer him and say, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did 4

5 we see you ill or in prison, and visit you? And the king will say to them in reply, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. Reflection: St. Pope Paul VI, Address to the Participants in the International Catholic Migration Commission (Sept. 29, 1971) The Christian Church has always been mindful of its Founder s warning that Judgement will turn also on whether we welcome him in the strangers we encounter (Cfr. Matth. 25, 35, 43). It has made much of the natural virtue of hospitality, setting up Abraham as an example of one who, in welcoming strangers, entertained angels without knowing it (Cfr. Hebr. 13, 2). The pilgrim people of God are also reminded by Scripture that they are all no more than strangers and nomads on earth, on their way to a heavenly homeland (Cfr. Hebr ). All who are in need have a claim on the aid of Christians. The need of many refugees for both bodily and spiritual assistance is very grave. The problem is made truly dramatic by the numbers involved. A broad movement of solidarity is called for. What does it mean to you that all who are in need have a claim on the aid of Christians? Closing Prayer: A Prayer for Immigrant Families Loving Father, in your infinite compassion, we seek your divine protection for immigrant families who are separated by detention or deportation. Provide solace to those who have been witnesses to violence and destruction, who have lost family, friends, home and all they cherish due to violence and persecution. Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need. Show mercy to unaccompanied migrant children, too, Lord. Reunite them with their families and loved ones. Guide those children who are strangers in a foreign land to a place of peace and safety. Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need. Show us how we might reach out to these precious and vulnerable children. Open our hearts to migrant families in need, so that we might see in them your own migrant Son. Give us courage to stand up in their defense against those who would do them harm. For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Adapted from Justice for Immigrants, A Prayer for Immigrant Children Day 4 Scripture Reading: Matthew 14: When Jesus heard of it, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast 5

6 crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves. [Jesus] said to them, There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves. But they said to him, Five loaves and two fish are all we have here. Then he said, Bring them here to me, and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children. Reflection: Pope Francis, Message for the 104 th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2018 Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age (Matthew 25:35-43). The Lord entrusts to the Church s motherly love every person forced to leave their homeland in search of a better future. This solidarity must be concretely expressed at every stage of the migratory experience from departure through journey to arrival and return. This is a great responsibility, which the Church intends to share with all believers and men and women of good will, who are called to respond to the many challenges of contemporary migration with generosity, promptness, wisdom and foresight, each according to their own abilities. In this regard, I wish to reaffirm that our shared response may be articulated by four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate. How might we respond to the many challenges of migrants with a faith that God will provide out of our shared abundance rather than fear of scarcity? Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters. Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds. Lord Jesus, help us by your grace, To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister; To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs; To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice; To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us; To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring. 6

7 We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Source: USCCB) Day 5 Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 24:17-22 You shall not deprive the resident alien or the orphan of justice, nor take the clothing of a widow as pledge. For, remember, you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD, your God, redeemed you from there; that is why I command you to do this. When you reap the harvest in your field and overlook a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; let it be for the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the LORD, your God, may bless you in all your undertakings. When you knock down the fruit of your olive trees, you shall not go over the branches a second time; let what remains be for the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow. When you pick your grapes, you shall not go over the vineyard a second time; let what remains be for the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow. For remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt; that is why I command you to do this. Reflection: U.S. Catholic Bishops, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, nos Regardless of their legal status, migrants, like all persons, possess inherent human dignity that should be respected. Often they are subject to punitive laws and harsh treatment from enforcement officers from both receiving and transit countries. Government policies that respect the basic human rights of the undocumented are necessary. The Church recognizes the right of a sovereign state to control its borders in furtherance of the common good. It also recognizes the right of human persons to migrate so that they can realize their God-given rights. These teachings complement each other. While the sovereign state may impose reasonable limits on immigration, the common good is not served when the basic human rights of the individual are violated. In the current condition of the world, in which global poverty and persecution are rampant, the presumption is that persons must migrate in order to support and protect themselves and that nations who are able to receive them should do so whenever possible. Just as the Hebrew Scriptures commanded God s people to establish laws to uphold the dignity of the stranger in their land, how can we better fashion laws to do the same in our land today? 7

8 Closing Prayer God of the journey, God of the traveler, We pray for those who leave their homes in search of new beginnings and possibilities, may they know your presence with them. We pray that those who seek to make a home in this country, may find us welcoming and willing to help them find a path toward citizenship. We pray that our legislators, as they craft new immigration legislation may find the wisdom and courage to enact new policies that do justice for our country and for those who would immigrate here. We pray for those who fan the flames of fear and discrimination against the undocumented may be touched with your divine compassion. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Source: The Archdiocese of Chicago Day 6 Scripture Reading: Luke 10: The Parable of the Good Samaritan. But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Jesus replied, A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back. Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers victim? He answered, The one who treated him with mercy. Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. Reflection: Dr. Kristin E. Heyer, Kinship Across Borders: Catholic Ethics and Migration, Boston College, Nov. 7, 2017 If we see immigrants, the face of immigrants, as illegal, forever foreigners, anchor babies, or if we see separated mothers, displaced third-generation family farmers, taxpayers, honest workers, we pursue different avenues of analysis. Seeing immigrants' humanity as primary doesn't resolve conflicting claims over stretched resources and it doesn't absolve cases of immigrant crime, yet it does foreclose on death-dealing practices and invite us away from simplistic scapegoating. To get at root causes and complex motives, like the [Good] Samaritan, we must identify with and become neighbor to the immigrant. Taking the victim's side as our own enjoins not only compassion but also liberation. Just as the Good Samaritan promises additional recompense to 8

9 the innkeeper, Christians are called to enter the world of the neighbor and leave it in such a way that the neighbor is given freedom along with the very help that is offered. Sometimes strictly following the law can lead to the wrong outcome, as in the case of the priest and the Levite. When might an action of mercy actually be the more just course of action in God s eyes? Closing Prayer Lord, give us the eyes of Jesus to see our neighbors and the strangers we meet. Teach us what it means to love the stranger as we love ourselves. Forgive us for our selfishness, for our silence, for not caring enough for the strangers who come to our communities. Teach us to love and care for the stranger the way You do. Amen! (Source: Rebeca Jiménez Yoder) Day 7 Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13: 1-6 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the illtreated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers. Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you. Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord is my helper, [and] I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me? Reflection: U.S. Catholic Bishops, Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity We call upon all people of good will, but Catholics especially, to welcome the newcomers in their neighborhoods and schools, in their places of work and worship, with heartfelt hospitality, openness, and eagerness both to help and to learn from our brothers and sisters of whatever religion, ethnicity, or background. What gifts might migrants bring to me when I choose to open myself to their presence? Closing Prayer Dear Jesus, Our journey through life is long and hard. We cannot make this trip alone; we must walk together on the journey. You promised to send us a helper, your Spirit. Help us to see your Spirit in those 9

10 you send to journey with us. In the refugee family, seeking safety from violence, Let us see your Spirit. In the migrant worker, bringing food to our tables, Let us see your Spirit. In the asylum-seeker, seeking justice for himself and his family, Let us see your Spirit. In the unaccompanied child, traveling in a dangerous world, Let us see your Spirit. Teach us to recognize that as we walk with each other, You are present. Teach us to welcome not only the strangers in our midst but the gifts they bring as well: the invitation to conversion, communion, and solidarity. This is the help you have sent: we are not alone. We are together on the journey, and for this we give you thanks. Amen. Day 8 Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. Reflection: St. Pope John Paul II, Message for World Migration Day, 1996 The Church considers the problem of illegal migrants from the standpoint of Christ, who died to gather together the dispersed children of God (cf. Jn 11:52), to rehabilitate the marginalized and to bring close those who are distant, in order to integrate all within a communion that is not based on ethnic, cultural or social membership, but on the common desire to accept God's word and to seek justice. "God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35). The Church acts in continuity with Christ's mission. In particular, she asks herself how to meet the needs, while respecting the law of those persons who are not allowed to remain in a national territory. She also asks what the right to emigrate is worth without the corresponding right to 10

11 immigrate. She tackles the problem of how to involve in this work of solidarity those Christian communities frequently infected by a public opinion that is often hostile to immigrants In the Church no one is a stranger, and the Church is not foreign to anyone, anywhere. As a sacrament of unity and thus a sign and a binding force for the whole human race, the Church is the place where illegal immigrants are also recognized and accepted as brothers and sisters. It is the task of the various Dioceses actively to ensure that these people, who are obliged to live outside the safety net of civil society, may find a sense of brotherhood in the Christian community. Solidarity means taking responsibility for those in trouble. For Christians, the migrant is not merely an individual to be respected in accordance with the norms established by law, but a person whose presence challenges them and whose needs become an obligation for their responsibility. "What have you done to your brother?" (cf. Gn 4:9). The answer should not be limited to what is imposed by law, but should be made in the manner of solidarity. How do you feel the Church is called to be a place of hospitality, affection and love beyond what the rest of society often provides the poor and vulnerable, especially migrants? Closing Prayer: Prayer for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers God, no one is stranger to you And no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness watch over migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, Those separated from their loved ones, Those who are lost And those who have been exiled from their homes. Bring them safely to the place where they long to be, And help us always to show your kindness to strangers And those in need. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Who too was a refugee and migrant Who travelled to another and Searching for a home. Amen (Source: Nouwen Network) Day 9 Scripture Reading: Psalm 146:5-10 Blessed the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD, his God, The maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, 11

12 Who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, who gives bread to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free; the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects the resident alien, comes to the aid of the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked. The LORD shall reign forever, your God, Zion, through all generations! Hallelujah! Reflection: St. Pope John Paul II, General Audience, July 2, 2003 God is the Creator of heaven and earth who faithfully keeps the covenant that binds him to his people; it is He who brings justice to the oppressed, provides food to sustain the hungry and sets prisoners free. It is He who opens the eyes of the blind, who picks up those who have fallen, who loves the just, protects the foreigner, supports the orphan and the widow. It is he who muddles the ways of the unjust and who reigns sovereign over all beings and over all ages Man, therefore, finds himself facing a radical choice between two contrasting possibilities: on one side there is the temptation to "trust in princes" (cf. v. 3), adopting their criteria inspired by wickedness, selfishness and pride However, there is another possibility open to man, and the Psalmist exalts it with a beatitude: "Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God" (v. 5). This is the path of trust in God, eternal and faithful We must live in consistency with the divine will, offer food to the hungry, visit prisoners, sustain and comfort the sick, protect and welcome foreigners, devote ourselves to the poor and the lowly. In practice this corresponds exactly to the spirit of the Beatitudes; it means opting for that proposal of love which saves us already in this life and will later become the object of our examination at the last judgment, which will seal history. Then we will be judged on our decision to serve Christ in the hungry, the thirsty, the foreigner, the naked, the sick, the prisoner. "As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt 25: 40): this is what the Lord will say at that time. How might I increase my trust in God, rather than in earthly leaders? As I complete this novena, in what ways does my Creator call me to commit more of my life to the oppressed and lowly? Closing Prayer Blessed are You, Lord Jesus Christ. You crossed every border between Divinity and humanity to make your home with us. Help us to welcome you in newcomers, migrants and refugees. Blessed are You, God of all nations. 12

13 You bless our land richly with goods of creation and with people made in your image. Help us to be good stewards and peacemakers, who live as your children. Blessed are You, Holy Spirit. You work in the hearts of all to bring about harmony and goodwill. Strengthen us to welcome those from other lands, cultures, religions, that we may live in human solidarity and in hope. God of all people, grant us vision to see your presence in our midst, especially in our immigrant sisters and brothers. Give us courage to open the door to our neighbors and grace to build a society of justice. (Source: Pax Christi) 13