The Gospel of Murrieta and Migrants

Once, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus fled in the middle of the night to escape a murderous ruler. Unfortunately, upon reaching the borders of Egypt, they were met with protesters, taken into custody, and soon deported back to their native land.

The day after they were sent back, Herod completed his massacre of the innocents, killing Jesus. And just to send a message to others, he slaughtered Mary and Joseph too.

Here ends the Gospel.

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There is a humanitarian crisis going on at the borders. But there is also a crisis of faith going on in this country surrounding immigration and how we treat migrants. Please write your senators and representatives. Donate to ministries and agencies assisting migrants.

In addition to Episcopal Relief and Development, you can help fund the Borderland Ministries and its refugee center in the Diocese of Rio Grande. But immigration isn’t just an issue that unfolds on a human scale along the border. It’s everywhere. Check out the work of Alterna for what this can look like in the Deep South. There are many, many people working for justice. Join with them!

For more reflections check out these posts, one from Episcopal seminarian Broderick Greer and other from the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.

And EDUCATE! Films like The Stranger, Under the Same Moon, Which Way Home, or the Second Cooler.

And PREACH! The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds is easily a parable against deportation.