12/23/2024
On December 16, the centuries-old tradition of Las Posadas is celebrated over the nine days leading up to Christmas. Begun in Spain, it has become a popular tradition in Mexico, as a commemoration of the trip of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, during which they were turned away from inn after inn. Las Posadas ends on Christmas Eve, just as Christians begin the celebration of the birth of Christ. Across the globe parents today travel in search of shelter and safety for themselves and their children. Like the Holy Family, they too are often turned away.
Let us pray for a compassionate world in which all parents find safe places in which to bear and raise their children.
Lord Jesus, just as your family sought shelter among strangers at the time of your birth, in our world, millions of families are forced to seek safe harbor in places where they too are turned away and rejected. Fleeing war, oppression and poverty, they long for a friendly face offering them welcome. You taught us to practice radical hospitality, to offer food and drink and healing to all who approach us. As Christians hear the stories of your birth, may they realize that when they reject refugees and immigrants, they are once again saying that there is no room in the inn. Open our hearts to allow you in at Christmas and to embrace our brothers and sisters from around the world every day.
