“When an alien (foreigner) lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him.”
Leviticus 19:33.

This word forms part of the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-27).

Chapter 19 begins with a call to holiness:

“The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy”

Why this call?

God’s people should strive to be holy to imitate God who is holy. Being holy, means being set apart for God, by imitating God. This we can do through specific kinds of actions. I invite you to study the chapter as we move towards the time of Lent. Lent is a season of fasting and prayer, a time to draw closer to the Lord, by letting go (fast) what keeps your focus away from God. It is a time, during which we are called to imitate God’s holiness and become more like God. The time of Lent is a time, during which we prepare for the joy of Easter. The Lord has risen. He has risen indeed. Hallelujah!

One way through which we can express our desire to draw closer to God is by how we treat foreigners, migrants, refugees, or simply those whom we do not know. They are there in everyday life, we see and engage with them wherever we go.

When a foreigner approaches you at an intersection, do you see him or her, or do you rather look straight ahead, not to see?

Daily we encounter the unemployed, needy and destitute, how does it move you emotionally?

Yes, I can not help everyone, but I can help someone to see and experience the Holiness of God through my love and care.

Being Church with and for the people brings hope and creates a home for those who are away from home.

Gilbert Filter