Song of “the Posadas”

Outside

In the name of heaven
I ask for lodging,
For my beloved wife
Can walk no longer.

Inside

This is no inn.
Just keep on going.
I shall not open,
For it might be a scoundrel.

Outside

Do not be inhumane.
Have mercy on us,
For God in the heavens
Will come to reward you.

Inside

You can just leave now
And bother no more.
For if I get angry
I will come out and strike you.

Outside

We come exhausted from Nazareth.
I am a carpenter
By the name of Joseph.

Inside

I don’t care what your name is.
Just let me sleep,
For I told you already
I shall not open the door.

Outside

Lodging is asked for,
Beloved innkeeper
For just one night
For the Queen of heaven.

Inside

If it is a queen,
Who is doing the asking?
Why is it, at night,
She is out there alone?

Outside

My wife is Mary,
The Queen of heaven,
Soon to be mother
Of the divine Word.

Inside

Is it you, Joseph?
Is that Mary, your wife?
Enter, pilgrims,
For I did not recognize you.

Who asks for lodging today?

Today, as occurred many centuries ago, there are many people seeking lodging and hospitality. Let us reflect on the words and events of the Posadas and what they mean in our lives.

In the first verse we see a woman who arrives tired and is pregnant. They ask for compassion and that room is made for them in the house.

Who are the Marys of today, those women unable to walk because they are exhausted?

How do we treat those who require a service from us? How do we treat women who are
homeless or are tempted to abort their child because no one will lend them a helping hand?

Why is the innkeeper’s attitude understandable? Whom don’t we trust in today’s society? What dangers would we face today if we opened our doors to everyone who called upon it?

As a result of the travelers’ insistence, the innkeeper becomes angry and threatens violence. Is there something in our society that is given away for free? Do we expect our
rewards will someday come from God and seek no thanks or material payment for our services?

How do you think God rewards good deeds? The strangers were from another land, from Galilee, and for Jews of that time, it was considered inferior. In our cities many immigrants continue arriving from different countries or maybe we are the ones who just arrived; how
were we received by those already here?

Who showed interest in knowing our name or who we are? Havewe felt the differences between the many groups here, for example Puerto Ricans and Mexicans, Cubans and Nicaraguans, as well as among those already here and those who just arrived? Why do people mistrust those from other backgrounds?

What new groups of people are arriving in our communities? How do I welcome the newly arrived? Do I think those who come from other countries are not as good as the people from my own country? Do I show an interest in them, in their lives, and in their future?

The innkeeper doesn’t believe Mary is a queen since the travelers do not appear
rich or powerful. Have I ever been treated inferior because of my appearance or race?

Do I look at appearances or what people have more than on who they are? What group of people do we reject? by the innkeeper’s rejection; instead he persisted until he got what he needed for his wife. Many people in our communities also must have lots of perseverance and struggle to attain a better life for their families and overcome the difficulties afflicting them. When we see the problems and injustices that surround us, we can consider Joseph’s attitude; he did not give up and did not resign himself to the situation. He sought solutions to the problem they faced, because he loved Mary.

How do I strive to achieve the things required for myself and my family? Do I easily give up, resigning myself to the circumstances? How do I treat those who are struggling to overcome their problems? Why? Do I see Mary and Jesus in these people? How?

The story of the Posadas ends well because the innkeeper finally recognizes Mary and Joseph. In the gospel, however, it says Mary placed Jesus in a manger since there was no
room for them at the inn.

How will my story end? How can I recognize Jesus in those who are near me every day?

Have I ever experienced the innkeeper’s happiness at taking in Jesus and Mary?

What can I do so my home, community, and parish are more welcoming places?

 

Prayer

Lord, we ask that there always be room in our hearts for the Christ who asks for lodging today. May we recognize Jesus in our family and neighbors. May we also see him in the
immigrants who arrive in our city, barrio, and parish. May we never distinguish based on nationalities or race. May we never close the doors to our homes and our hearts to those
who need help and affection. Lord, come to us and teach us how to open our hearts to others.

 

Text from: El Momento Católico, Christ asks for lodging today, CP 428