"Advent and Migrants" aims to be a space for reflection on issues of great social and human relevance, with a particular focus on the condition of migrants.

It is an initiative of the International Network of Migrants and Refugees of the UISG, which accompanies us during this time of Advent.

Each week, we will explore a different aspect of their life experience in the light of the Gospel, which guides us on our journey toward Christmas, with the goal of raising awareness and renewing our commitment to those who are forced to leave their homeland.

During the third week, the commentary on the Gospel of Luke (3:10-18) is provided by Sr. Janete Ferreira, mscs.

The Gospel of the Third Sunday of Advent presents the change of life that John proposed to all those who sought him on the banks of the river Jordan. This change had to be reflected into a real shift in attitudes. Declarations of good intentions are not enough; conversion must be manifested in actions.

However, the people asked for more concrete guidance. The Evangelist tells us that they asked, “What should we do?” This shows the willingness to rethink one’s life and to accept the proposal of salvation that comes from God. In his response, John does not ask for pious gestures or special religious practices; rather, he proposes very concrete actions that point toward a more humane, just and fraternal life.

We can observe in this Gospel that the "fruits of conversion" that John asks for, refer to behaviors and attitudes towards others. The best way to prepare the way for the Lord who is coming is simply to care for our relationships with our brothers and sisters; the best way to prepare the world to welcome the Salvation that comes from God is to build a more just, more supportive and more fraternal society.

Applying this Gospel from the perspective of the migrant and refugee, we can say that 281 million migrants worldwide have left their place of origin, and certainly many of them are among those who suffer from hunger because some monopolize goods that belong to all. We are called to respond with mercy to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters. Pope Francis tells us that the reality of migration today is "a wound that cries out to heaven; we do not want indifference and silence to be our response."

In this Advent season, as we prepare to welcome the Lord who is coming, may we open ourselves to a change that is manifested by a new way of seeing migrants and refugees, and may we welcome every brother and sister that God places on our path.

May the joy of the migrant God who comes to us be our hope!