Immigrants

The Holy Family was forced to leave their country and become immigrants in a foreign land. I wonder what the Egyptians thought of them. Were they unwanted? Were they rejected? I'm sure they would sympathize with the millions of people who today have to leave their country because of war and persecution. What does the Bible have to say about how we should deal with immigrants to our country?

Scripture

Matthew 2: 13-18

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, ⁷ 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." When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:  "A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more."

Prayer

Lord, I am so overwhelmed by the suffering of immigrants that I see on the TV news. I feel so helpless.  I offer money.  I offer prayers.  But, Lord, I know there is more that I should do.  I need to speak out for the rights of immigrants that are close to me.  Help me to have the courage to protect the dignity of all people.  Thank you for being an immigrant yourself.  Amen.