# A Melody of Hope: Reflections on Las Posadas
*2008-12-14*

> Bill Young reflects on the Advent tradition of Las Posadas, shares a prayer for hospitality, and urges listeners to open their hearts to the poor during the season of incarnation.

## Opening Prayer

Hail and blessed be the hour in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin at midnight in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour of great need, O God, hear my prayer and grant my desires for the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother.

## The Meaning of Las Posadas

Tomorrow’s celebration of Las Posadas reenacts a key crisis of the Gospel when Mary and Joseph find no room in the inn. In the procession, participants go door to door, accompanying the Holy Family in their search. Each closed door reminds us of the locked doors and shuttered places in our own hearts. The eventual opening of a door brings great rejoicing, urging us to be vulnerable to God and hospitable to the poor.

## A Picture of the Innkeeper

The innkeeper carries a key in his hand, hesitant to open his door. His wife hurries out with an apron laden with eggs, eager to make an omelette for the young mother. This image reminds me each year of the many opportunities we have to stand with the poor.

## Practical Ways to Help

A difficult economy hits the very poor hardest. For most of us, it isn’t a stretch to buy gloves, mittens, canned goods, or a gift certificate for medicine. In our parish we collect medicines for a clinic we sponsor in the Dominican Republic—vitamins, ointments, pills that arrive in great numbers. Even a bottle of baby aspirin can be a precious Christmas gift.

In the days ahead, look for ways to be open to God’s gift. By standing with the poor, your parish will likely develop a concrete response—volunteering, donating, or organizing a collection. Give generously according to your ability.

## Closing Prayer for Hospitality

Help me walk alongside Mary and Joseph, and give me the courage to open my heart to give lodging to Jesus.

*May this Advent season inspire us to open our doors—and our hearts—to the poor, just as the inn finally opened for the Holy Family.*