Crossing the Borders

Emmanuel, as we enter closer to Christmas, I wait in joyful hope to celebrate your presence. This week your people in churches here in Costa Mesa, in Mexico and throughout Latin America celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They will remember the story of how she appeared in what is now Mexico City to a poor peasant, Juan Diego, and asked him to bear her message and her miracles to the bishop and ultimately to the world. Today migrants who have left their homes to look for good jobs and futures for their families will light candles and write prayers to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Retracing the steps of history, many will crawl on their knees as a sacrifice, carrying the burdens of the families with them. Many bear her with them throughout the dangerous desert crossing into the United States, a trek that last year alone claimed nearly 450 lives. We know, Emmanuel, that you are with them, and that you call us to join you.

Today we pray for hope for a different world, a world without injustice, without discrimination. My prayer is that I may be a courier of God and a courier among men and women for good will, and that I may be part of the love that tears down walls, destroys borders, and builds bridges. Lord my prayer is that we may be a light of hope in the darkness. Help us to stand with those who live in poverty, to lift voices and to proclaim their dignity. Amen.