From today’s Scripture: “You shall not molest or oppress an alien.” — Exodus 22:20

Caring for defenseless widows, orphans, and strangers was a fundamental Jewish obligation passed down to Christians as our responsibility to tend to society’s most vulnerable (Matthew 25:31-46). Catholic social doctrine has much to teach on that subject, beginning with our duty to treat everyone with God-given human dignity.

How are we caring for the alien among us right now? Pope Leo and the U.S. Bishops have decried the inhumane treatment of immigrants and harsh attitudes toward them that are sadly evident in the US today.

It might be a good time for an examination of conscience: Do we contribute to the harsh climate by our silence? The US Bishops have stated forthrightly, “We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” What can we do to oppose that as well?

Let us pray: Christ Jesus, help me to see you in the plight of migrants and refugees.

Today’s author is Polly Duncan Collum, former parish lay missioner and now director of Glenmary’s Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.

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