S1-Day 9: God in dirty places: Suffering with the Migrants

Reflecting Verses: Matthew 25: 34-40

It’s been more than a month since the lockdown was in place to contain the spread of the novel corona virus. Social media is flooded with various news and issues related to Covid-19. One such issue which held my attention is that of the migrants - stranded without food, deprived of wages, and in pathetic living conditions. Some committed suicide; others died due to starvation and exhaustion from having to walk all the way to reach their hometowns; some were abused and attacked along the way.

While chatting with a neighbor, I was taken by surprise when she commented about the situation of the migrants in a way that criticized their decision to travel back home. According to her, there is no need for them to go home because lockdown was going to be relaxed and their work will restart in few days’ time. While I countered her comments in support of the migrants’ right to freedom of choice and decision, and condemned the mistreatment meted out to them by the government, I wondered if her comments reflected the views of many others too.

As I pondered on the theme ‘God in dirty places’ in the context of the migrants in India and across the world, I wondered what Jesus would have done. Matthew 25: 34-40 comes to mind. This is a familiar passage about care and hospitality shown to “one of the least of these”. The Greek word used for “least of these” is “adelphon mou” which refers to any person in need. It is clear from the passage that the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, prisoners and strangers are identified as the “least”. They are considered least not because they are any less human but because they are vulnerable. They are the socially and economically disadvantaged.

While hospitality and care for the migrants is in fact needed, it should not stop there. Works of mercy should not be limited to acts of charity. Even the Pharisees performed acts of charity but Jesus condemned their actions, “but woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others.” (Luke 11:42). Note that Jesus like other prophets in the Bible regard justice as equal to the love of God. This means that we cannot claim to love God if we do not practice justice. Love for God is measured by acts of justice.

Many of those migrants in our midst are the ones who do the dirty job that many of us are not ready to do. In spite of that, they are mistreated, left unprotected, and stopped from going home. Whereas the rich privileged class stranded in other countries are flown back safely. Now isn’t this pure injustice?

Situations like these should not only make us angry but also determined to fight against such injustices. Jesus’ life and ministry are marked by standing with the least and the oppressed, fighting for their cause in order that they may experience life in all its fullness. Here is God in dirty places identifying with and fighting for the “least of these”. Are we ready to be his followers?

Prayer

Lord, help me live out my faith by reaching out to all who are suffering due to injustices. Help me practice more of your love and justice. Amen.

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Author: Dakerlin Mukhim

About the Author: Dakerlin completed her Bachelor of Divinity from the United Theological College, Bangalore (2005-2008) and Master of Arts in Theology from the Protestant Theological University, Groningen (2012-13). She is presently working with Student Christian Movement of India, Bangalore as the Executive Secretary for Faith, Formation and Praxis desk.