Fleeing for safety

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Good morning. One of the greatest euphemisms of warfare is the phrase “collateral damage”. It’s a sanitised term for those who are not themselves combatants, but whose bodies or lives are torn apart by the conflict raging around them. In fear or in consequence of such damage, many take the rational decision to flee. Others have it taken for them, being warned to leave or forcibly evacuated from communities that are about to be at the centre of hostilities. Some simply have nothing but ruins left of their former homes. Most households displaced by conflict end up simply in another part of their home country. Of those who do cross international borders, the great majority stay close to the land to which they still hope, someday, to return. A small fraction journey onwards, ending up in Western Europe. Only a very tiny percentage arrive in the UK, with a wish to settle and rebuild their lives here. Living in a city like Manchester, I get to meet refugees from time to time, indeed some of them become members of my churches. Their tales of living in constant terror are harrowing. Many are so traumatised that it takes a long while before they can relearn what living in peace is like, before they can find peace of mind. Their fear, for friends and family left behind, is well-founded. So today, my prayer is for all displaced by conflict. Heavenly, Father, grant those displaced by war, a passage to safety and a compassionate welcome wherever their journey ends. Heal the damage sustained through their suffering, and grant them the peace that alone will enable them to rebuild their shattered lives. Amen.