September 13. The refugee problem in Europe is often shown in the news.  Thousands of people are escaping war in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq and other places in Africa and Asia.  As the travelling family moved through the countryside on their eco-safari they became more aware how here in South Africa we have many of our own refugees too. Some are economic, others fleeing from war in other African countries.  “I thought Pope Francis gave a great example a while back by taking some Muslim refugees home with him to the Vatican, “Pauline said and Michael responded, “Yes, but the reason that they fled needs to be addressed most urgently. Pope Francis often speaks about the whole migrant issue. .” Dad added, ”However the practical aspect of providing work for foreign and local workers makes this very complicated for the country too.”   

Scripture:  Just as the body is one and has many members and all the members are one body so it is with Christ.  For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body, Jews, Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one spirit. From 1 Cor 12.  Pope Francis:  When our hearts are authentically open to universal communion the sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one. Everything is related and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures.  LS 92

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  As a family discuss your attitudes around foreign workers and how the issue could be addressed with justice and compassion. Pray “Glory be to the Father……………..