The liturgical readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent begin with the retelling of the Jewish people being forced into exile in Babylon. The Chaldean king destroyed Jerusalem, burned its palaces and destroyed all its precious possessions. As I listened to this age-old account, I was reminded of the millions of refugees, faced with atrocities, who fled to foreign lands. Thugs took their money and set them afloat on dangerous seas in makeshift boats and rafts.
Unlike the exiles of old, the refugees who survived, set foot on dry land in safety, not captivity. Most were welcomed warmly. However, many experienced the hostility of citizens who considered the newcomers a burden on their shores.
Throughout the following months, we witnessed copious expressions of gratitude from refugee families who were settled generously by a plethora of churches, agencies and private citizens. I wonder if we realized what impact leaving a beloved home had on these refugees. Their birthplace was radically different from this new country. At home, they had experienced peace and prosperity but all was lost in the ruins and rubble of war and hatred. What would the new land hold for them?
Sunday’s responsorial song, Psalm 137, moved me deeply as I thought of our refugees:
How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right-hand wither.
As we accompany our refugee friends this Lenten season, let us encourage them in their broken English, to share their memories of their beloved homeland. They will continue the difficult work of integrating themselves into our Canadian way of life. May their children grow strong and healthy as employment is realized and friendships abound. May their tears of lament become songs of joy.
Jean Moylan, CSJ