Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional - Flipbook - Page 18
ROOT CAUSES OF MIGRATION
Biblical Reflection
n Matthew 7:24-27, we find Jesus utilizing a comparison of where one builds a house to teach the
difference between wisdom and foolishness. Jesus speaks of the wise as those who build their house
on rock, while the foolish build upon sand. But this scripture also speaks to the everyday realities of
those who find themselves living in a house built upon sand due to no fault of their own and who strive
to build a house on rock. One could reflect upon this scripture when thinking of those people who are
forced to flee their homeland due to unstable living conditions.
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At the root of migration are hunger and extreme poverty, amplified by
violence and corruption. For individuals and families who have migrated
to the United States, the idea of building a house on rock is much deeper
than owning a physical building. Rather, it is about building a home, a
safe space, that provides the most stability and well-being.
“At the root of
migration is hunger
and extreme
poverty, amplified
by violence and
corruption.”
It may look different from time to time, and may be shared with other
families and friends during different seasons. It looks like a one bedroom
apartment with two families working to make ends meet; it looks like the
living room of a relative; it looks like the long road between Guatemala and the United States; it may
even look like the hot concrete under a tarp at the Mexico-United States border.
The rock foundation is demonstrated in the resilience of parents and individuals who are willing to face
the dangers of migration and the risk of rejection by a government blinded by political ideologies. It
is demonstrated in their willingness to submit to less-than-humane working conditions and to accept
unlivable wages.
Migration is a better option than staying to die in a country torn by war and poverty. But, the conditions
that many migrants face are wrong and unjust. The foolishness in this reality represents those who
perpetuate the sand-shifting foundation—the broken immigration system and those who exploit it, and
the limited and unequal access to resources. There is enough for all: this is the solid rock foundation that
brings hope to those who risk their very lives for just one piece. Here, true wisdom lives and builds.
Reflection Questions
1. Where do you see the sand shifting under those who live in the margins due to their undocumented status?
2. How can you support those living in extreme poverty due to their immigration status so that they
can find a solid rock foundation?
3. What does your faith inform you to do?
Prayer
Creator God, solid rock foundation for all creation, empower us as your beloved children to work together
to bring stability to your people, end hunger, and promote well-being and equality for all. Amen.
Call to Action
Be the solid foundation and call your elected officials today to address the root causes of migration—
hunger and poverty.
Rev. Lori Tapia is national pastor for Hispanic Ministries at the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the
United States and Canada.
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