Lament for the fleeing

Matthew 2:13–23 

Why, oh Holy One,

have we not learnt from our story, 

that humans fleeing massacres

need a safe place to stay

like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

fleeing Bethlehem for Egypt? 

Why, oh Holy One,

have we not learnt from our story,

that refugees arriving on leaky boats

weave tenacious threads through our community,

make us stronger,

like another Joseph, 

in an older Egypt? 

Why, oh Holy One,

do we not learn from our story,

not listen to the messengers,

or angels, or prophets,

calling us back to your Way

of Love and Justice  – 

angels you have sent to warn

and protect, again and again? 

Holy One, hear our lamentation

for the fleeing, the weeping; 

for the injustice, the unkindness: 

help us to enact your love and justice

for a new day dawning with the light

of the Christ born again and again. 

Amen