Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Kinship Beyond Border

FOR WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF GOD IS MY BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER.

God of Justice, in this divided era, we seek unity as your children. Help us overcome the tendency to judge others, but rather to see the sacred in each person. Guide us to build bonds that transcend labels. Show us how to be a bridge that fosters friendship. Makes us a community rooted in your love.

Share a time when you had a meal or drink with someone who didn’t agree with your worldview.

Serving meals to migrants at Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas

Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, a shelter, founded 46+ years ago by religious leaders serves as a haven for migrants arriving daily. The residents, often dropped off by ICE, receive orientation, connection assistance with family members, and support during their stay, which ranges from a few days to six months. Maryknoll Sister Mattingly, recognizing the immigrants’ deep faith, shares prayers and companionship with them, highlighting the importance of community, love, and understanding. Annunciation House advocates for treating people as humans, encouraging others to engage and build relationships with those seeking refuge.
In February, Texas attorney general filed suit to shut down the house accusing it of “human smuggling.” El Paso Bishop Seitz responded, “We will not be intimidated in our work to serve Jesus Christ in our sisters and brothers fleeing danger and seeking to keep their families together. We will stand in solidarity with our communities, aid workers and volunteers, with our community nonprofits assisting migrants, as well as with all those in the Borderlands and throughout our state living under the weight of inhumane immigration policies.” (Maryknoll Magazine, February 2024)  

Jesus came home with his disciples. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder the house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Mk 3:20-35

In the midst of polarization, achieving unity demands that we acknowledge our shared identity as children of God. At times, we may judge others, overlooking the sacred within each individual. As missionary disciples navigating a seemingly divided world and church, we are called to embrace a counter-cultural approach, reaching out to build bonds of kinship and finding common values. By cultivating a community rooted in unity and transcending hatred and labels, we honor the dignity of every person as children of God.

How are we called as a faith community to overcome polarization to confront the challenges of immigration?

Reach out to someone who you disagree with about immigration and suggest a way you can find common ground and work together to address the issue. Consider joining the Maryknoll team on a trip to the border in El Paso.

Jesus, in your ministry you crossed social and geographic borders to have meaningful encounters with people. You were willing to engage them in dialogue that led to transformative friendships. Inspire us to follow your example to also leave the comfort of the shore to encounter and engage others, especially those who are considered to be the “strangers” among us.