Following Jesus into insecurity (Luke 9.58) was neither a Brexit nor a Bremain option
Introduction
Whatever the referendum’s outcome, if we are to progress towards a godly answer to the scandalous poverty and degradation of Syrian and other refugees and migrants, we shall need people willing to ‘look back’ (v.62) and combine passion with insight and perspective. As the dust settles, principles may reappear alongside the ubiquitous populism.
Context
A UK MP passionate about refugee suffering was murdered by a man allegedly holding extreme views, which intemperate anti-immigration interventions from one side have sometimes resembled.
June 20th was World Refugee Day, marked by a report showing a catastrophic refugee situation. Debate has hitherto centred on what will make us richer, safer, and more sovereign.
The refugee and migrant crises remain and ‘EU in or out’ will have implications for how our nation responds.
Reflection
The campaigners and media have appeased our thirst for material prosperity. Nuanced arguments, unlike snappy slogans, ‘Stronger in!’ ‘Take control!’, make poor soundbites, and they seldom gain traction, so the unpalatable has been hidden. Would Jesus have won politically with his bleak promise (v.58)? Have the tributes following the death of Jo Cox MP, revealing how her passion, joined to wide-ranging humanitarian causes, did so much good, also highlighted how narrowly and selfishly the country’s attention has been focused of late?
Threatened, the disciples responded unthinkingly (v.54). Momentarily, they were self-centred, translating predictable lack of interest into a slight, and a desire to hurt. Throughout the referendum campaign’s tit-for-tat we have similarly seen damaging insults, and defensive exaggerations and distortions of the evidence exchanged, with demolition preferred to conviction. Can we now, beyond the rivalry, learn?
Condemning those who ‘look back’, Jesus chose an illustration where looking back could do no good while it caused a crooked furrow (v.62). Has this passage a more complex message for us, faced with the aftermath of tragedy as well as a raft of political and ethical problems with roots in the past? Do we need to widen our focus, look back and think again?
Jesus did not condone xenophobic violence against Samaritans (v.56). Will compassionate voices return post-referendum? If still firmly in the EU will our concern for human dignity make us press for action to clear the degrading camps and shanty towns in France, Greece and Italy? Will we be pressing for changes in EU trade rules which exploit the developing world to our advantage? If we are extricating ourselves to gain control over our migration numbers will we consider using our powers to discourage the luring of skills from poorer to richer nations? Will our political leaders reflect on the nation’s horrified recoil from the implicit racism of the more extreme anti-immigration rhetoric and then make welcome many more refugees from Syria and her neighbours?
Our calling may be to follow Jesus into a comfortless future (v.58). Is it only when we grasp this that we need no longer look back?
Prayer
This could form part of your prayers of confession. Pause after each line before the response to let people silently add their own personal confessions.
In the last few weeks in the UK,
many of us will have been more focussed on politics than we have been for years.
If we have let our concerns cut us off from our friends or family,
our colleagues or fellow Christians…
Lord have mercy.
If we have been angry and intemperate,
short of patience with those who differ from us or are less fervent,
or with those who seem able to think of nothing else…
Lord have mercy.
If in the quest to get more,
we have forgotten how much we have already…
Lord have mercy.
If we have forgotten all those other things which make life worth living,
the beauty of the created world;
the pleasures of family, friendship and fun…
Lord have mercy.
If we have forgotten to care for and about our neighbours,
near or far…
Lord have mercy.
And if we have forgotten you,
the still centre of our tumultuous world,
forgive us.
Remind us that you remain whatever else changes,
that your desires revealed in Jesus are always the same,
that we might have spiritual life, and have it in abundance.
Amen.
Questions
- In light of the UNHCR Report on migration in 2015 what policies should now be adopted?
- What steps do you think your country should take on this matter?
Action
Look for a group that you could join or support to improve the lot of refugees and migrants either locally or nationally.
Young people
Are you aware of refugees or migrants coming into your area? If so, what can you find out about them, where they come from, and why they have come? If not, choose one of the so-called problem areas and find out what you can about it.
Brenda Vance is a retired university teacher and URC elder living in Sussex.