They’re refugees… 2000 years later -- By Sheena George

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

There're "hidden exiles" within families who are treated like burdens... they can be your parents

  History repeats itself. What happened in Bethlehem 2000 years years ago, is resonating across the world in different forms now – in different countries and even within the families.

  The Holy Family’s painful exile as it searched for refuge in Egypt was a sad reality but very much part of God’s plan. Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived the dramatic condition of refugees, as Pope Francis said, “marked by fear, uncertainty and difficulties.”
 Millions of people across the world, and even in India, are facing the same dramatic predicament. They are not welcome anywhere, and they are victims of human trafficking, slave labour and prostitution. It’s a problem, everyone knows, that exists but doesn’t care much.

 On Sunday (December 29) we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family. But have you thought about those millions of people who face the same sad reality that the Holy Family went through? As the Pontiff said, we are inundated with news reports about refugees, who “flee hunger, war and other grave dangers, and go in search of security and a dignified life for themselves and their families”.

  There’s another group of refugees within families – even in wealthy families. For example, the elderly – they can be your parents or mentally challenged siblings -- who are treated like burdens. Pope Francis calls them ‘the hidden exiles’ who may be marginalized within their own families. There're several examples for such anathematic "hidden exiles" in Kerala.

  If you take a walk on any of the roads or visit hospitals in any Indian city, you can see many such refugees; homeless, sick and struggling to get the next meal. Many of them are victims of rejection and exploitation.  

 “In far away lands, even when they find work, not always do refugees and immigrants find a true welcome, respect, and appreciation for the value that they bring. Their legitimate aspirations clash with complex situations and difficulties that sometimes appear insurmountable,” Pope said on the feast day in Rome.

  It’s high time to think about those refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation. Remember that God is there where man is in danger, where man suffers, where he flees, where he is faced with rejection and abandon.

The Holy Family’s experience also proves this fact abundantly.