In last weekend's homily for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, I brought up the fact, that Mary and Joseph showed great hospitality to "foreigners" (Magi) from the East by welcoming them into their home and accepting the gifts that they brought for the child, Jesus.  As they no doubt taught Jesus that lesson in hospitality when he was old enough to learn it - it showed in his openness to all who came to him; so, we are called to a hospitality that starts in the home of our heart.

While the issue of "Border Security" continues to be a topic of discussion and great division in our country, I pray that we will be ever committed to follow the example of Joseph, Mary and Jesus in welcoming all those who are in our midst who come from other cities, states and nations.  Accepting them and the gifts (of talents and a hard working ethic) that many of them offer to us, is indeed the "Christ-like" thing to do.

I ran across a prayer in the January "Give Us This Day" that I encourage all of us to pray, especially in this month in which we observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25) and the 105th World Day for Migrants and Refugees (on January 20).

Lord God, your Son Jesus said
Your Kingdom is like a banquet:
A festive gathering for all people
of every race and color -
a table at which the lonely find company,
the hungry savor rich foods and fine wine,
and strangers enjoy warm family ties.
Jesus calls us to build this Kingdom here on earth.

Teach us, Lord, the ways of hospitality.
Give us the spirit of joyful welcome
and the sensitivity to help people on the move
to feel they belong.

Grant that our tables at home may draw
our new neighbors from other lands
into a loving community
and that the eucharistic tables
in our parishes may prefigure that banquet
in heaven where all are one with you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.