Tuesday, December 11, 2018

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion we were like those who dream Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with shouts of joy.
Psalms 126: 1-2a

This passage was probably sung after Israel’s return from exile in a time of unimaginable rejoicing. Modern-day exiles come in many forms – the flight of refugees from unsafe homeland perils, evacuees fleeing catastrophic storms.

As a Lutheran Disaster Response volunteer, I was once part of an initiative that repaired people’s ruined residences along the Delaware River and in Mississippi so that “exiles” could be restored to their cherished homes as part of a “new normal.” Volunteers worked across ecumenical and interfaith “divides” in ways that continue to inspire me in our chaotic time.

In the aftermath of Maria in 2017, Liberty Lutheran Services played a pivotal role in resettling Puerto Rico evacuees who can’t go home again because of massive destruction to their homes and schools. Hopefully they are rejoicing in their new-found homes!

In Wilmington, NC, where my daughter lived until recently, many hurricane exiles remain tragically uprooted as they contemplate longterm recovery. Hopefully, with God’s help and the aid of volunteers, someday they will rejoice!

In my prayers I try to remember with compassion exiles of our day and give thanks that I and my family members have never been forced to flee dire circumstances. Have you ever been an exile? What exiles have you known or thought about? What actions might you take to support them?

Gracious God, help us find a way to walk with exiles. Guide our steps, giving us wisdom and compassion. Amen.

Mark A. Staples is a member of Trinity Lutheran, Lansdale, PA and a loyal partner to Lutheran Disaster Response. Mark is a lifelong writer on religious subjects.

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