Takeaway Wednesday: Jesus the Immigrant

Matthew: 2:13-15
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

“Flight into Egypt” by Almeida_Júnior

Some organizations quote statistics or bring politics into the pressing issue of immigration, but that’s not what this blog is about. This blog is about faith formation in the Franciscan tradition working for peace, justice, and hope.

In that spirit, today’s post calls attention to two videos that speak to our values and, more importantly, depict the people who live our values.

After watching a video, consider the reflection questions below it.

From Fast 4 Familes: A Call for Immigration Reform and Citizenship

Reflection Questions:

Past social activists like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Cesar Chavez are praised now, but faced considerable opposition during their lives because of their protests.

• Why are so many people, such as those in the Fast 4 Families campaign, willing to fast and protest inhumane immigration policies?

• How can you better include prayers for the marginalized in your faith life?

From Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Arizona:

Who was Fr. Eusebio Kino (S.J.)? Find out.

Reflection Questions:

After visiting the Arizona border, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops declared strong support for immigration reform.

They also celebrated Mass on behalf of the close to 6,000 migrants who have died in the U.S. desert since 1998.

• How does being in the physical presence of other human beings help us see the sacredness of each individual life?
• After your spiritual response to the suffering of others, how can you respond through action?