Saul Gonzalez and Kenia Salas play the parts of Joseph and Mary as they make their way along the international border fence in Nogales, Mexico, Dec. 20, 2015, as they participate in a traditional Mexican Las Posadas. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)
by Brenna Davis
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Third week of Advent—Consumption
Day 18: Wednesday, Dec. 16
REFLECT
Today, Dec. 16, marks the beginning of the celebration of las Posadas, a popular devotion best known for being celebrated in Mexico and Latin America. Beginning nine days before Christmas, Las Posadas re-enacts Mary and Joseph's journey to find shelter and protection. During the procession, community members representing Mary and Joseph traditionally walk through the neighborhood and knock on doors asking for shelter. They are turned away from two homes before they are welcomed into the "inn," a home that provides food, shelter and companionship to everyone during the celebration.
While this brief summary cannot capture the richness of this tradition, and though las Posadas will be celebrated differently this year due to COVID-19, the message is clear: We are called to make space this Advent for God and for our neighbors.
In our journey of Advent simplicity, the innkeeper reminds us by inviting Mary, Joseph and Jesus into their humble home that we already have what we need to invite God into our homes and our lives, and whatever prevents us from doing that needs to be relinquished.
Are you ready to welcome Jesus into your home this Advent? What distracts or prevents you from making space to welcome this most important guest? Consider how consumerism and material goods, technology, overconsumption of the news, busyness, clutter, how you spend your time, or any other disordered attachments might be getting in the way of preparing your physical home or your spiritual home — your soul — to welcome God and your neighbor in the coming days.
ACT
Identify one specific way that you will simplify to make space for God this Advent between now and Christmas.
Join a Virtual Posadas celebration with the Ignatian Solidarity Network from now through Dec. 24.
View the Advent Simplicity Calendar for an introduction to las Posadas.
Simple Advent, Abundant Life
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