Art has a great power of communication; it allows us to convey deep and meaningful messages in different contexts, and that is what I sought to do in this work. In it, we can see two people in a boat, heading toward a lighthouse. However, there are important aspects to consider and reflect upon, dear reader:

• The lighthouse is a candle, and the light emanating from it is being reflected by two hands (“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29);

• The two people in the boat represent the idea that we cannot walk alone; we will always need help to grow. There are moments when we must be the arm that helps, when we are able to do so, and moments when we must allow ourselves to be helped, recognizing our limitations;

• The rough and dense ocean represents the moments of crisis we face along the way;

• The boat’s sail is shaped like a cross, because Jesus is with us at all times; He is Emmanuel (God with us).

Today, the Church needs to be the arm that reaches out to the refugee, so that they may rise and walk alongside us, become established, and have their dignity restored—but in an infinitely more special way, because in this act of help we do not only lead their lives toward a better situation; we lead them to a real encounter with our Lord.

The need for help is urgent. The candle was not painted in place of a lighthouse by chance: the candle means there is a time limit, there is an end. The Church must move and lead as many people as possible to Christ, because one day the candle will go out.

Felipe Batista (Maringá/PR)
Traditional and digital illustrator, graduated in Theology and Visual Arts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desenhistacristao/

Artwork presented in 2021 at the V Refugees Forum
Theme: “Church and Refugees – Paths to Tomorrow”