ETHICS, THEOLOGY AND MIGRATION: THE CRY OF GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE CURRENT U.S. POLITICAL CLIMATE

Resumen

The “push and pull factors” surrounding the phenomenon of migration have always existed. The reasons migrants leave their countries differ, although most of them are primarily driven by the need for survival. From a biblical perspective, God commands us to love, show concern, and offer hospitality to strangers and foreigners (Ex 23:9; Lv 19:33). The migration of the Holy Family due to persecution is an evident reminder of God’s desire to welcome those fearing for their lives (Mt 2:15). The Gospel of Matthew also recounts the Sermon on the Mount where, through the Beatitudes, Jesus challenges us to respond more radically and practically to the needs of the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. In effect, Jesus constantly reminds us to listen to their cries. For Scripture says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:35-36).