Matthew 10:40-42 (NRSV) 

"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward." 

In March, I traveled with others from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the United States- Mexico border.

We learned from many different people about immigration and the realities in the Rio Grande Valley.

We visited one organization called La Posada where migrants could stay as they awaited their next move such as filing paperwork or having a family member pick them up. There were people from all over the world who stayed there, but they would share meals together and have a nice place to stay. La Posada was in the process of building more housing units so they could welcome more families.

While they provided a place of refuge: just a few miles away stood a wall which sent a different message. When we visited the border wall the next day, I was struck by how it evaded warmth and welcome, by using fear and intimidation. Walls are to keep things out. We each put up our own walls, some our seen and others are unseen. We put walls up in our hearts, only welcoming some people in and leaving others out.

Now, I want to acknowledge having boundaries is a good thing, but when our boundaries become so rigid, we are casting people out because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, the language they speak, we are not living into Jesus’ mission. What if we saw all who were immigrating or seeking refuge in our communities, as Jesus. We would not turn Christ away at the door -- we would welcome him in. And so, we need to be ready to see Christ in every person and welcome them. Not with limits or exclusions, but with open arms. With cool water for their journey, with warm beds to sleep, with hearts ready to break down the walls of the world.

God’s love has no borders, and ours too should be open to all.

Prayer for Reflection

Genesis 21:8-21
Jeremiah 20:7-13
Romans 6:1-11
Matthew 10:24-39