“Works of Love” is an adventure into what it means to love God and love our neighbor. During the coming weeks, we are going to explore what Ignatian spirituality has to teach us about works of love, and how we might discern the ways we are being invited to respond.
We will send you a weekly email with some resources to help you pray, reflect, and take action. And be sure to share you thoughts with us on social media.
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (Sunday, September 29, 2019) is a special opportunity to focus our attention on the urgent needs of fellow human beings.
The need to offer hospitality is of particular concern for those of us fortunate enough to remain in the communities we call home. We must begin with the conversion of our own hearts. Do we believe in the dignity of all people, regardless of where they come from? Do we believe that it is our duty, as a matter of faith, to care for the needy, to feed the hungry, and to welcome the stranger? Then we must act, sharing through works of love the graces we have received. God is inviting us to go deeper. Below are some resources to help us pray, reflect, and ultimately take action in response to the needs of migrants and refugees. ![]()
Everything we do on our Ignatian journey ought to begin in prayer. So let us pray:
Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,
We pray this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. (Prayer card for the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees; Vatican Migrants and Refugees Section.)
MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
It's Not Just About Migrants... The theme for the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees is "it's not just about migrants." Pope Francis reminds us that our ability to see and respond to those in need is a deeply spiritual matter. If we fail to see the face of Christ in those who come to us seeking help, we have fallen short in faith and charity. Read the Pope's full message... The Highlights: "That is why it is not just about migrants. When we show concern for them, we also show concern for ourselves, for everyone; in taking care of them, we all grow; in listening to them, we also give voice to a part of ourselves that we may keep hidden because it is not well regarded nowadays."
Some more learning (in case you're interested):
SCRIPTURE "I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." Matthew 25:31-46 WEBSITE www.JesuitMigrantSolidarity.org, Jesuits of the United States and Canada A new website for education and action around immigration issues. STATEMENT Advocacy on Behalf of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Jesuits of the United States and Canada ARTICLE I took in a Honduran refugee. It was no big deal—really. John Anderson (America) VIDEO It's Not Just About Migrants..., Pope Francis TEACH-IN Virtual Teach-In on Migration, Ignatian Solidarity Network
The Jesuits often invoke this Latin word “magis” — the “more” or the “greater.” The idea is that in all our endeavors we should strive for something greater — the greater good and the greater glory of God.
God is inviting each of us to greater works of love, to the "most perfect manifestations" of the graces we have received. Each of us must discern the magis in our own lives. Here are some ideas to get you started. Opportunities to do something greater:
We conclude by giving thanks to God for the graces we have received, reflecting on how God is present to us, and discerning God's invitation to greater works of love.
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