There are strong emotions at the mention of immigration reform.  There is no shortage of opinions in the news, blogs, rallies, calls to legislators, and the like.  As people of faith we are called not to simply have an opinion on the matter, but rather to form our consciences on the matter (Catechism §1776-1803).  The formation of conscience means to take the matter into prayer, to read and reflect on the way Scripture addresses the issue directly or indirectly, to seek the counsel of the Church, and a host of other actions.  There is no shortage of opinions, but I do wonder how many take the time and effort to form our consciences?  The Church is quite strong on this formation, even teaching that, “A human being must always obey the certain judgment of his [formed] conscience.” (§1790)  That is an amazing responsibility that the Church asks of us.

So, what does the Scripture reveal to us about immigration?  In the Old Testament, God continually draws Israel’s attention to the care of the anawim, the little ones, the widow and orphans, the alien stranger (Ex 22:20-22).  In Isaiah 43 we hear that we ought not to harm or hurt the alien, for “you yourselves were aliens in the Land of Egypt” – repeating the same call from Deuteronomy 10:19.  In Leviticus19:33-34 Moses, describing the community that Israel is called to become, says that they are to treat the stranger with respect:  “Count them as one of your own countrymen and love him as yourself.”

In the New Testament, the experience of the immigrant and refugee is played out in the life of Christ.  Born in modest circumstances because there was “no room in the inn,” (cf. Luke 2:7) the Holy Family soon fled to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod.  They left their homes out of fear for their lives.  The Holy family experienced being strangers in a strange land.  They knew the anxiety of being displaced, turned away, and shunned.

Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, the one least expected to respond to the man beaten and robbed.  It is a parable in which the Samaritan reaches out across the “border” of division and otherness to be the compassion of God.

Jesus reminds us, his disciples, in Matthew 25 that at the Last Judgment we will be judged by those things we have done for the least among us, the most vulnerable – the “anawim, the little ones, the widow and orphans, the alien stranger.”

That is just for starters.  It is only some parts of Scripture.  There is the hard work of prayer, readings, more prayer, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit.  Are you ready to form your conscience?  You can start with the US Catholic Bishop’s website:  www.justiceforimmigrants.org.   Or read a nun’s reflection on the reality of immigrant families (http://bit.ly/12PZ43B).  Immigration is a matter of faith; a moral matter; it is a matter for a formed conscience.