The text emphasizes the timeliness and relevance of the topic of immigrants and refugees, urging acceptance by recounting the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt. It calls for overcoming cultural and language differences to extend a helping hand to the needy, in line with the Gospel call.

Biblical references in Deuteronomy 10:19, Psalm 146:9, Romans 12:13, and Leviticus 23:22 underline the important theme of mercy and care for strangers and the needy. The essence of these verses reminds us that God has a heart for those who are strangers, and we are called to assist them in their time of need.

The challenge of standing in solidarity with people who look different, speak a different language, and have different religious values is presented as a litmus test for the Gospel. The call to leave the ethnic, national, and cultural comfort zone emphasizes the need to actively advocate for integration and mutual understanding.

The practical steps suggested begin with prayer and gathering information about immigrants and refugees. By collaborating with organizations or starting a community service, concrete actions can be taken to provide support. The encouragement to make even a small contribution emphasizes that every effort, no matter how modest, can make a difference.

The question at the end of the text encourages personal reflection on how to help immigrants or refugees in one’s own environment. This raises awareness of individual responsibility and urges creative and concrete action, even if they are small steps. Overall, the text strongly urges not to overlook the needs of immigrants and refugees but actively engage in supporting them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-3-refugees-and-immigrants/

Today, let us reflect together on a significant theme: the question of the origin of all things. In our contemplation, we will focus on the “cosmological” argument, leading us to recognize the existence of God as the most logical explanation for creation.

The basic idea of the cosmological argument is simple: nothing arose by itself, and nothing created itself. Everything created was brought into existence by something that existed before. This chain of causes continues until we reach something uncaused, something that has always existed and was never nonexistent. This uncreated reality, eternally existing, is, as we believe, the God described in Holy Scripture.

Let’s look at some verses that provide insight into the origin of all things:

1. Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they were created and have their being.”

2. Colossians 1:16–17: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.”

3. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.”

These verses show us that the most logical explanation for creation is an eternally existing God. In contrast, some thinkers claim that “nothing” created the universe. Even prominent scientists like Stephen Hawking held this view. However, as Christians, we must remember the crucial truth expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”

It is essential to keep this truth in mind because in a world often seeking other explanations for creation, we know that our conviction of an eternal and omnipotent God is the only logical and true answer to the question of the origin of all things.

Let us pray together in this awareness and thank God for His wisdom and revelation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-the-logical-explanation-for-creation-nothing-came-from-itself/