photo by alborzshawn
The Bible is pretty clear about our responsibility to the outsider.
"You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." (Exodus 23.9)
"When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 19. 33-34)
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some are entertaining angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13.2)
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matthew 25. 40)
When we deal with the immigration problem we need too remember not only the Biblical demand but also the human dimension of this enormous problem. If you listen to the stories of those affected it takes on a whole new light. The New York Times' correspondent, Monica Davey has written a moving piece about a man in West Frankfort, Illinois. In this coal-mining town that voted heavily for Mr. Trump, Juan Carlo Hernandez Pacheco has won most of the hearts in that town. He opened a restaurant years ago. And the townspeople love him. He has been held for deportation despite the letters and phone calls from many of the citizens. He will have to leave behind not only a community that loves him but a wife and three children. Read the story and weep. This story could be repeated many times across this country.
photo by David Woo / flickr
--Roger Lovette / rogerlovette.blogspot.com
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