Crossing the Borders of our Hearts

“In light of the signs of our time, as we begin this Advent season, it seems appropriate to reflect on these words. “Blessed are You, Lord Jesus Christ. You crossed every border between Divinity and humanity to make your home with us.” – From Interfaith Worker Justice.

I recall reading a powerful poem about borders by Craig Santos Perez.  He begins:

My 16-month-old daughter wakes up from her nap and cries. 

I pick her up, press her against my chest

 and rub her back until my palm warms

like an old family quilt. “Daddy’s here, daddy’s here.”

But as the poem continues, reflecting on the conflicts in today’s world, he is so fearful that he will not always be able to keep her safe. Later in the poem he writes:

 To all the parents who brave the crossing: you and your

children matter. I hope your love will teach the nations

 that emit the most carbon and violence that they should

instead, remit the most compassion. I hope, soon

 the only difference between a legal refugee and

an illegal immigrant will be how willing

 we are to open our homes, offer refuge and

carry each other towards the horizon of care.

Copyright© 2016 by Craig Santos Perez. 

Originally published in Poem–a-Day on May 11, 2016 by the Academy of American Poets

While we may not be able physically to minister to the many families at the U.S border, we are not powerless. Walking Toward Hope is a reflection guide that can help us open the borders of our hearts, our minds, our prayer, our voices, our outreach.

“Blessed are You, Lord Jesus Christ. You crossed every border between Divinity and humanity to make your home with us. Help us to welcome you in newcomers, migrants and refugees.” – From Interfaith Worker Justice.