We can turn our faces away from those who are different. They have arrived here to attempt to make a new life for themselves. In South Africa we have people who have fled for their lives from many different places. In reality it is the developing world who still have the greatest number of refugees – Southern Africa and the Middle East particularly. Watching the international news one might mistakenly think that the majority of the world’s migrants were arriving on European or American shores. Last year the Brexit vote and the election of Trump (whose campaign at times hinted at xenophobia) has shown that there is a growing intolerance towards strangers across the globe. This, motivated by politicians’ awareness of growing xenophobia in the electorate, is already in the pipe line. This may change as new more restrictive legislation could be put in place. Our current legislation in South Africa reflects our Ubuntu value of welcome and hospitality. Scripture consistently tells us that we have a duty to welcome the stranger in our midst, to draw them into our communities and to make them feel at home. The question for us – as it was for people migrating in biblical times – is: How do we live with people who are different from us? How do we engage with those who don’t speak the same language, who don’t wear the same clothes, have the same culture, or look like we do? They travel to new places in search of new ideas and new discoveries. Then, as now, people flee from brutalisation, war or for economic reasons. As the scripture text tells us, people 2000 years ago were on the move too. These themes of travel and movement are not unique to our ‘global village era’.

Their coming provides the impetus for the Holy Family to become refugees – to go into exile in Egypt – fleeing to protect their baby’s life. They come looking for the fulfilment of a prophecy. They come from the East seeking something they do not really understand. As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the visit of the Magi. Hospitality and welcome are part of our African heritage. Retreat Houses, Hostels and Community Centres.Infographic Resources for use by Schools – Covid 19.Early Learning Centres, Creches, Pre-Primary Schools, Homes for Needy Children.Archdiocesan Catholic Healthcarers Association.Principal Celebrations of the Liturgical Year.

North africa epiphany city