Each Sunday of Lent, we will reflect on the ‘seven last words’, or phrases, spoken by Jesus from the Cross in light of our Congregational Position Papers. This week, we recall the second words spoken, “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” linking these with our position on migration.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

From the Cross, Jesus listens without judgment to this criminal, offering him hope and a place in paradise. Exclusion often occurs when we judge the stranger, condemning them to be objects of suspicion and xenophobia, as happens, in particular, to migrants, refugees, and persons in resettlement.

Our position on migration stresses that people are not to be labeled criminals while in movement. We reject xenophobic apprehensions that cause migrants to face intensified discrimination, barriers to social support, and exclusion. We respect their right to seek better social and economic opportunities – to find their place in paradise – and celebrate the positive contributions they make.

As a Congregation, we listen to the experiences and needs of migrants, accompanying them and their families, and developing programs that serve their complex needs, such as the Global Shepherds migrant development program in Keningau, Malaysia.

Today, we invite you to listen to the stranger without judgment and, in particular, offer migrants the same welcome as you would offer to the Divine and as you would hope to be welcomed by the Divine.