Between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.

[Excerpted from a Lenten resource by Joey Williams, president of seventy]

As we journey with refugees during the Lenten season, we are reminded of the ongoing struggles they face. The Nakba, an Arabic term for the events of 1948 when many Palestinians were displaced from their homeland and forced to live as refugees, is a tragedy that continues today, with millions of Palestinian refugees still unable to return to their homeland.

One such story is that of Bilal, a third-generation Palestinian refugee living in Denmark. His family was ethnically cleansed from their village during the Nakba and has since lived in refugee camps, enduring further violence and displacement. Despite these hardships, Bilal’s grandfather still holds onto the hope of returning to their village, a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of refugees.

As we walk with refugees this Lenten season, let us not forget the importance of standing in solidarity with refugees, advocating for their rights, and working toward a just and peaceful world. As Andrew Bolton reminds us in his interview with Bilal: "Zion is the renewing and greening of the Earth to bless all generations, embracing the worth of all persons, no exceptions, and working to end all oppression.”

Prayer Phrase

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).

Organizational Action

Collaborate with organizations like AILA to provide legal aid and support for undocumented migrants. Work with advocacy groups to push for fair and just immigration policies. Offer resources like legal assistance, job training, and language classes to help undocumented migrants overcome challenges.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.