Fatima is a social worker who was born and lives in the refugee camp where she supports those who are struggling
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
These words from Isaiah offer us great consolation. Our God wants us to be comforted wherever grief or sadness enters our lives.
We are also called to be a consoling presence in the lives of others, so that our sisters and brothers may know that they have not been abandoned or lost, even in their most difficult times.
Fatima is a social worker supporting people in a refugee camp in Lebanon. She herself was born and lives here – her grandparents were born in Palestine.
She explains how being part of the community helps her in her work, as she supports her neighbours and other families in need.
“Because I was born in the camp, and I’m part of the community, I surely know the struggles of every household in the camp. I know the struggles of Palestinian children, the struggles of people here.
“Like any Palestinian in the camp, my family is affected by the cold. The cold tends to make me sick.”
Fatima’s work, however, brings her joy as she offers consolation to others.
“This is what makes my day: being able to help even one little child, help them with a service or something they need, makes me feel like I own the entire world. Because the children will build our future.”
We are all invited to share in God’s work of comfort and consolation. This Advent, let us look out for opportunities to do just that.
Advent prayer
Loving God,
console us in our sorrow,
and lead us to share with one another
our hope for a better future.
Amen.
Act
Give today and reach out with love and warmth to those who need it.
