It is easy to get downhearted about the state of things. An election campaign makes us think and it can bring out the worst in us. On holiday on Dartmoor recently we visited the ancient Wistman’s wood; a mysterious wooded area of great beauty. Around the margins new oak seedlings are flourishing. The destruction of the countryside and the depletion of natural resources are politicised issues, along with debates like that of the right to roam. And yet, on the moor we found tender saplings not being trampled underfoot but respected by those who walk that way.
Today is World Refugee Day. I quote: ‘UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution or war at home.’ Refugees have been a part of life since the dawn of time and in our cynicism we easily muddle up the genuine refugee with the illegal migrant, or the activity of the people trafficker with the aid worker helping a human out of danger.
Refugees are like tender saplings. Often, they need a suitable place to settle and to be left alone to thrive and become part of the landscape. Ancient cultures have benefitted from the movement of people, often because of the need to escape from some form of danger. Another quote: ‘Since 1950, we have faced multiple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital protection and assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. We (the UNHCR) help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home.’
Our faith grew from a nation of people who had been refugees. Let us think of that, and today’s refugees, as we take in the joys of our rich society.
A Prayer
God who led the Israelites from risk in Egypt and whose infant son fled a tyrannical king, help us to be open to all who seek refuge from risk. We thank you for what we have and pray for grace not to be cynical about the circumstances of others, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.