hacer memoria...

Christmas 2008

"More and more the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps…and be known as someone who wants to live with them… I wonder if the first things shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them… The greatest news of all is that God is with His people, that He is truly present. What greater ministry can be practiced than a ministry that reflects this divine presence?” (Henri Nouwen, Gracias: A Latin American Journal)

I am often asked: “Why are you going to Mexico?” It’s a question for which I don’t always have an answer, at least not one that I can put into words quite easily or very well. One the reasons that I go is centered around the Incarnation which we will soon celebrate at Christmas - God revealing Himself in the person of Jesus Christ and coming to live among us. I believe in a God who loved us so much that He chose to be born into this broken world, who came as God-With-Us to bring not only redemption but abundant life…this is what I celebrate at Christmas!

God has given me a deep love for the poor of Tijuana and I want for them to know this God who loves them - who loves each one of us - enough that He “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). I want to reflect God’s presence by entering into their lives, just as He entered into each of our lives through the Incarnation. It is my prayer that when my friends in Tijuana ask me this same question - about why I have left everything and come to live with them who seem to have next to nothing - that I might be able to share with them this good news of a God who came to live among His beloved people as God-With-Us.

“Then the angel said to them: ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people...a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!’ ...And they shall call Him Emmanuel, that is, God-With-Us” (Luke 2:10-11 and Matthew 1:23)

As you celebrate Christmas...may you know God’s great love for you, the good news that Jesus has come to you, and the joy and peace of His presence with you!