Refuge: Faith in a Continued Dream

Holy Family Icon by Kelly Latimore 2019

“Suddenly, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him. So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt.” Matthew 2:13-15

While we can anticipate most aspects of a journey, this was one in which the unfolding events were unknown and would only be revealed in the course of time. The appearance of the messenger was “sudden,” the message itself ominous. It was during a dream that the message arrived.

How does this message, received in a dream, apply in our current context? Which elements of this story could be considered congruent to the contemporary circumstances encountered by migrants journeying north to escape grave danger, persecution, starvation, economic hardship, and political turmoil? The relevance of today’s Gospel message has manifested in the intersectionality of the moments of “encuentro” with each individual migrant during our time at the FM4 Immigration Center and Casa St. Nicholas. Although each story is particular to the specific circumstances which precipitated their journeys, the commonalities echo the experience of St. Joseph over two millennia ago: a sudden, challenging set of circumstances, faith in the possibility of refuge, and the unpredictability of the journey ahead.

Last night, we had the privilege of meeting Edwin*, a young man of twenty-four years, who had departed his homeland of Honduras eleven days ago. Sitting outside on the lanai under the stars while awaiting the call for evening prayer and dinner, he recounted his story. The message of an urgent need to depart and seek refuge was received, not unlike Joseph, in a dream. Edwin was living his dream; he was living in the warmth and safety of his brother’s home in the midst of celebrating his new employment opportunity as assistant manager at a grocery store in his hometown. But in a matter of seconds, his world was turned upside down. The gang that controlled the barrio arrived seeking payment from the household. These payments, referred to as “plaza,” are oftentimes paid by families and businesses in order to remain on good terms with gangs and criminal organizations. As the family did not have sufficient funds on hand, the payment was unmet. Edwin’s brother was killed. Edwin was beaten and left to die. In the midst of his dream of a loving family, an exciting new employment opportunity, and the preparations for Christmas, the message was clear. His departure was required. He gathered what he could, and without the time to say goodbye, departed under the cover of night. For eleven days, new friends nursed his wounds on the roof of the train. Arriving at the Jesuit-sponsored migrant relief center, he courageously recounted his journey. For each of us sitting in the circle of wooden chairs on the terrace, it was a moment of sacramental encounter when Christ revealed himself in the struggle, the faith, and the solidarity of the moment.

As Joseph faced the challenges of the unexpected turn of circumstances and the reality of imminent danger, he sought refuge in a new land. Edwin, likewise, encountered a life and death choice. These migrants, seeking shelter, represent the face of every person. As Sister Roberta, the director of the center reminded us, “Todos Somos Migrantes”... Their stories highlight the relevance of the living Gospel and the call to accompaniment.

Authors: Keith Reese, Theology Department and Rich Perry, Director of Community Service

*Author's Note: Though Edwin's story is first-hand, his name and age are altered.