Prayer for the World December 17, 2025

Caring for the Immigrant

Introduction

Scripture scholars remind us that caring for the stranger (variously named as the alien, the foreigner, the immigrant, the refugee, the pilgrim), is one of the most often repeated commandments in the Hebrew Scriptures, second only to the law to worship only the one God. Jesus also challenges us to care for the stranger because whatever we do for the most vulnerable among us, He counts as done to Him.

Mantra: Monica Brown, Quiet My Soul: Shelter Me 

https://youtu.be/8ur8sugqyKc?si=DsTom--PP0VQ9Sor 

Shelter me tenderly

Shelter me O God

Under the shadow of your wings.

Focus for our Prayer

The Church’s dedication to caring for immigrants is explained by Pope Pius XII when he wrote that the Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph, living in exile in Egypt to escape the fury of an evil king, are the models and protectors of all migrants, aliens and refugees of whatever kind who are compelled by fear of persecution or by want, to leave their native lands and to seek a foreign soil.

Bishop Rhoades recently wrote a letter to the editor of “Today’s Catholic” as well as to secular newspapers within the diocese.  The letter is in response to the Office of the Attorney General of Indiana seeking information from Catholic Charities related to their investigation of “human labor trafficking, indecent nuisances, and immigration-related communication, cooperation and enforcement policies, and nonprofit activities.”  The Bishop explains:  “For more than 100 years, we (Catholic Charities) have been a champion for the most vulnerable in our community.  We respect the laws and borders of our nation, while following the moral imperative given to each Christian in Matthew 25:35, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…  I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me…I was in prison and you visited me.  In Matthew 25, Jesus did not discriminate in his directive of those who are deserving of help—and neither do we.  We depend on the federal government to determine who may lawfully enter the country; because regardless of the programs we offer, that decision is not ours to make.  Our work begins when someone in humanitarian need arrives at our door. …  At a time when public assistance is dwindling, more people than every rely on Catholic Charities for stability and hope.  Notwithstanding the distraction that the Office of the Attorney General represents, we will remain steadfast in our mission to serve all those in need as Christ calls us to do. … We will show up –with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith—to serve His glory, not our own.”

Silent Prayer

Intercessions

For all migrants, refugees, asylum seekers everywhere in our world - we pray.

For those who lovingly welcome refugees and provide legal and social services for them, especially for our partner in mission, The Florence Project in Arizona - we pray.

For those whose hearts are hardened and whose eyes are blind toward strangers. May they experience healing of their hearts and opening of their eyes to see them as God sees them - we pray.

For governments as they seek wisdom to secure their borders while providing respectful and humane treatment for asylum seekers and other migrants - we pray.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, you know well the sufferings and anxieties of persons fleeing their own country and seeking refuge and hope in another. Be with all our brothers and sisters who are fleeing to other countries, seeking asylum, seeking refuge as you did in Egypt. Be with all who are welcoming or refusing to welcome these strangers into their midst. Open our eyes, open our hearts to see them as you see them, to love them as you love them. We thank you!    Amen.

Silent Reflection

Song