December 16 - Las Posadas: the custom of lodgings begins

In Mexico and the Southwest United States, the celebration of Las Posadas begins today to recall and reflect on the journey of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem as a result of a census called by King Herod.

Throughout these middle days of Advent that lead to the birth of Christ, Mexicans and other nationalities will gather in groups and sing throughout neighborhoods and in people's living rooms to sing, pray and remember that Mary and Joseph were immigrants, homeless and at the disposal of someone's hospitality to welcome them, a couple expecting their first child and traveling a great distance and under extreme duress as they searched for lodging while Mary was in labor. Las Posadas reminds us all that unless we open our doors to Christ in any real way, especially to those with the greatest need, he cannot enter. 

As Las Posadas begins, we pray for expectant parents, especially for those who for any reason will encounter challenges during the time of pregnancy and delivery. 

We pray for immigrants, legal and illegal who are looking to create a new home in a foreign land. 

We pray for all doors of our homes and our hearts to open wide to all people who may be in distress of any kind of suffering, sorrow, longing, need, misfortune. 

Come, Lord Jesus.