Welcome to the blog post inspired by Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees! In his message, the Pope encourages us to see migrations as a sign of the times and a symbol of the Church’s pilgrimage throughout history.
As Pope Francis beautifully puts it in his 2024 Message for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, migrants are a living image of God’s people on their way to the eternal homeland. This day, celebrated annually on 24 September, serves as a reminder for believers to show support and closeness to the millions of individuals forced to leave their homes.
God not only walks with his people but also within them. The Pope invites us to embrace a synodal way of living in the Church and the world, moving forward on our pilgrimage toward the heavenly homeland.
Recognizing God in the Journeys of Hope
As migrants embark on their journeys of hope, we are reminded that our true citizenship is in heaven. Just like the biblical exodus, their plight mirrors the challenges faced by the people of Israel in their time. However, God accompanies them through their difficulties and sees them as an extension of his mystery of the Incarnation.
From Tent to Tent: God’s Presence
God’s presence in the midst of his people is a certainty of salvation history. He journeys with his children in every time and place. Reflecting on biblical texts, Pope Francis highlights the importance of the tent as a form of tangible divine presence. Just as God moved from tent to tent with his people in the desert, migrants experience him as their guide and anchor of salvation.
An Encounter with Christ in Every Migrant
Every encounter with a migrant is also an encounter with Christ, as reiterated by Pope Francis. The Scriptures are filled with references to this truth. By opening our hearts and doors to those on the move, we open ourselves to encountering the face of the Lord in our brothers and sisters in need.
Let us journey together with our migrant brothers and sisters, towards the eternal dwelling prepared for us by God. May every encounter with those in need be an encounter with Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Let us pray with Pope Francis:
God, Almighty Father,
we are your pilgrim Church
journeying towards the Kingdom of heaven.
Though we live on earth,
our true citizenship is in heaven.
Open our eyes and our hearts
so that every encounter with those in need
becomes an encounter with Jesus, your Son and our Lord.
Amen.
