HOLY FAMILY

On the island of Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific, there are many people who have come seeking a better life for their children.  Ansa  is one of them.  He is from Chuuk State, a chain of islands surrounding a large lagoon in the Micronesian archipelago.  The Federated States of Micronesia are part of the Compact of Free Association that allows Micronesians to travel and work anywhere in the U.S. without a visa.

Ansa came to Guam with his common-law wife and several children seeking a better life and to escape from the grinding poverty that afflicts much of Micronesia.  He has no skills and a minimal education, so he is barely literate in his own language.  He is a handsome strong man, willing to work.

Since his arrival on Guam his family has broken apart and he now is responsible for two of his five children, a young girl and boy for whom he is the sole support.  He subsists with the aid of food stamps, keeping them safe, seeing that the older girl is in school, and seeking employment.  Meanwhile because of the scarcity of housing and priority given to U.S. citizens for low-income housing, he has moved his family at least 5 times in the last two years, often leaving belongings behind as they have moved.

Joseph and Mary spent much of Jesus’ infancy in exile, staying ahead of Herod and his henchmen who were determined to keep any rival kingship at bay. Jesus’ early life, like Ansa and his children's, is one of displacement and fear.  Joseph often had to move his family out of harm's way as Ansa does, Joseph because of political threats, Ansa because of drugs, alcohol abuse and violence in the places he can afford to live.

This Sunday is often called Holy Family Sunday.  In the familiar lectionary the theme was always focused on the Holy Family and their flight into Egypt.  Many years ago the Episcopal church published a poster of the Holy Family fleeing into Egypt, Joseph leading a donkey with Mary and the babe on it's back.  The caption underneath read something like: ‘In the name of the Holy Family remember all refugees. Echoes of the prologue to John's gospel that we read last Sunday come to mind: the theme of light shining in the darkness could well apply to those who seek a safe place to raise their children in a dark, chaotic and violent world.  There are now more refugees throughout the world than ever before, most of them victims of war and economic displacement for which they are not responsible.  All they seek is a secure place with reasonable food, safe drinking water and a chance to educate their children.

The author of Ephesians writes:

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

These words are written to express the joy of people who know they are  delivered from spiritual exile; but they could well be words of a refugee family finding a safe haven.  Regrettably our political and economic systems have failed in their ability to provide such adoption for people seeking refuge.  Even with efforts by churches and volunteer organizations to resettle refugees many remain in camps and compounds, some waiting for resettlement for years.  Their faith and hope diminishes over time, and the failure of governments to find solutions is surely a great sorrow.

Like many problems, the solution to this dilemma seems often beyond our reach.  We care, but what can we do?

Saying we can do nothing is not an option.  There are numerous private reputable organizations that address these conditions, among them Episcopal Relief and Development. Choosing to join a mission that is capable of addressing the plight of refugees and homeless people is easily done with the stroke of a few keys on a web site. 

One couple that lived on Guam has partnered with the Episcopal Church in Micronesia to assure that Ansa and his children have the basic necessities.  Others have adopted a child, a family, made sure a family has a goat or cow through organizations like ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development) to provide basic skills to earn income.  There are opportunities for everyone with a large range of gifts to choose from that can make a difference.

Today's Gospel reading shows us how God can lead people to safety.  Several times Joseph will be lead in a dream to seek safety for his family.  Ansa on Guam often senses danger and removes his children from it, even at high difficulty for himself.  He knows the safety of his children is his first obligation and he takes it seriously.  He is a faithful man who says his prayers and believes that God leads him.

As we remember the Holy Family this Sunday, remember also they represent to us all political and economic refugees.  The response to the Gospel message requires more than remembering them, it calls us to action, an action of relief and support that insures the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  Ask God to direct you in how you aid those without homes or places to call home.  Then act on what God directs you to do in your heart, and you will be blessed by the Holy Family who were once homeless themselves.

The Rev. Ben Helmer
St. James' Episcopal Church
Eureka Springs. AR
January 3, 2010                                                                                                                              01.10