By Robert Jalbert, M.M.

Throughout the world it's obvious that we're a people on the move for various reasons. We get from one place to another on foot as well as via space travel. As Catholics, we believe that all peoples have been created in God's image and that on our earthly journey we gradually discover what that means as we return "home" to our God, who alone fulfills our deepest longings for completeness.

Journeys are rich in symbolism throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. These movements are often initiated by God and expressed as invitations, as in the Book of Genesis when God prompts Abraham to leave his home for the Promised Land. Quite frequently these journeys are escapes from sociological circumstances of enslavement, or they may signal a renewal of a covenantal relationship with God.

In the New Testament, Jesus often sends out followers to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick, as he did, commissioning them to go out to the ends of the earth in God's name to bring about wholeness and reconciliation.

Today we're struck by the plight of millions of internal and external migrants and refugees throughout the world who are compelled by circumstances often beyond their control to flee oppressive governments or to set out in search of food and a better way of life for themselves and their families.

In this issue, you'll visit northern Kenya's Turkana people, who are presently experiencing a severe famine as well as welcoming an influx of refugees from Somalia.

Accompany Maryknoll Lay Missioner Russ Brine helping to educate Turkana children.

Read about migration in the Philippines and about a Maryknoll Father working with Filipino migrants in Taiwan. Discover a mission where Maryknoll Sisters minister to Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong.

What could being created in God's likeness, Old and New Testament journeys and the struggles of migrants and refugees in today's world possibly have in common? Perhaps the answer is found in their quest, nurtured by God's invitation: "I have set before you life and death... choose life that you and your descendants may live!" (Dt. 30:19)