Season of Creation*- Listen to the Voices of Migrants

Today we commemorate the International Day of Peace devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. While we become aware daily of the conflicts people face and that many who flee from the violence, the International Day of Peace is an inspiring reminder of what we can create together: Peace. Creating peace is much more than putting our weapons down or even destroying them. It is about creating a world where people are treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, creed, or gender identity.

We are also in the middle of National Migration Week.  Migrants have been in the headlines this week as governors from Texas, Arizona, and Florida have been busing migrants from the Southern Border to cities in the north.  Sometimes lying about where they are going and promises of what they will encounter when they arrive.  Other headlines tell us of the environmental challenges the people of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic face because of Hurricane Fiona. Many are internally displaced or fleeing to other countries looking for safety.  As you read about these events or hear them on the news listen closely to the voices and the stories of the migrants. 

The following prayer is from the Franciscan Action Network.

Prayer: Strangers in a Foreign Land (Author Unknown) 

Lord God, help us to remember those who tonight will go to sleep unfed and unwelcome, strangers in foreign lands, people who have fled for their lives and are far from their homes. We lift up to you those who are escaping persecution and conflict, having fled death, torture or ruthless exploitation. So many carry wounds, mental and physical. So many have suffered greatly. 

Lord Jesus, give us more of your compassion for their plight, soften our hearts to their situation, and help us follow your lead in seeking justice and mercy on their behalf. We pray for an end to the wars, poverty and human rights abuses that drive desperate people to become refugees in the first place.

Amen

Let us also pray for those who seem indifferent to the needs of migrants and many of the reasons they leave home.

*Season of Creation starts  September 1 the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations. The activities and resources for Season of Creation are supported by an ecumenical steering committee and coalition of partner from around the world. For more information visit: seasonofcreation.org