The following Homily is provided by Friar Sidney as a way of enriching the ministry of the Word as presented through this web site. Friar Sidney, who has spent much of his ministry in India, is currently a Professor of Philosophy in Rome. The texts used by Friar Sydney come from the Roman Lectionary - which in most points agrees with the Revised Common Lectionary. Foreigners and the poor are always a factor of instability and suspicion in every society.
Xenophobia is something natural in many societies.
Recently, in the election campaign in India, Sonia Gandhi's foreign birth was an issue for many other parties. In many countries, even now, foreign workers are looked upon with suspicion. If they do well, there is even jealously and hatred. We are well aware of how many restrictions are set on foreigners in many countries. It all seems quite natural.