Today we pray with St. John Neumann, remembering this saint in the Christmas season, who was called particularly in his ministry to care for migrants. The experience of many migrants, immigrants, and refugees is reflected in the story of the Holy Family – displaced from their home, on the move, and looking for a safe place to stay. Mary and Joseph were not welcomed warmly in the new land, instead found shelter in a barn, certainly not ideal to welcome a baby into the world. As I look around the world, along with my own country, there are countless examples where migrants are considered a threat. The first reading today might encourage us to react in a different way.

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another… There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.”

Love. This is how we are called to respond to our neighbor, especially a neighbor in need. This is what St. John Neumann exemplified in his life, service, and love. May we call upon our holy companion to guide us as we seek to respond to the migrants in our community with love rather than fear. The National Shrine of St. John Neumann offers this prayer, that I invite you to pray with me today:

God of the Journey, through the intercession of St. John Neumann, patron of immigrants, we pray for those who leave their homelands longing for freedom and new opportunities. May they recognize you as their traveling companion and find a welcome awaiting them. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

O Jesus, who on earth commanded and practiced a hidden life, grant that in these our days of pride and outward display, the example of your servant John Neumann may lead us to follow your humble ways.

Grant, O Lord, that like your holy bishop we may do all our work with the pure intention of pleasing you and let not our deeds be done to win the favor of others but to give glory to our Father in heaven.

We thank you that our fellow citizen and devoted missionary bishop is recognized among the saints of your Church in heaven, and we beseech you, O Lord, to glorify him on earth by granting the favors we ask through his intercession. Amen.