Daily Meditation for November 27, 2024

The migration of large population groups from one geographic area to another has been a perennial feature of life on earth. But generous people all over the world are stepping up. World Central Kitchen (WCK) was founded in 2010 by celebrity chef José Andrés in response to disasters all over the world. WCK’S 400 chefs and restaurant owners have served over 4 million fresh meals worldwide; 50 million in Gaza and 250 million in Ukraine. People have donated mountains of clothing, shoes and other necessities to refugees and migrants. Welcome takes many forms. When migrants from Afghanistan landed in Canada, the Prime Minister was standing at the airplane stairs greeting them and shaking hands. On the drive into the city, the newcomers saw many groups of Canadians in their front yards cheering and waving to them. In Hurricane Katrina shelters, there were frequent visits from massage therapists, service dogs and local musicians. When the war in Ukraine began, towns on the Polish side of the border organized shelters for refugees, but many of them were never used because the compassionate citizens took all the refugees home to stay with them. The Spirit of the Good Samaritan works energetically all over the hurting world. How can you help?

By Mary Jackle, OSB