My entire life, I wanted to be involved in outreach to people in developing nations.  Through God’s grace, and my work in parish ministry, I had the opportunity (along with three others) to start a short-term mission initiative in 2003 between the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Diocese of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.  It is called Ixim:  Spirit of Solidarity.   It continues today and our shared faith is our foundation.

Jesus challenges us in today’s gospel to be aware that all who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Forming relationships between people in a first world nation and a developing nation gives us an opportunity to accept that challenge.  Pope Francis agrees: 

In the present condition of global society, where injustices abound and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and considered expendable, the principle of the common good immediately becomes, logically and inevitably, a summons to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters…it demands before all else an appreciation of the immense dignity of the poor in the light of our deepest convictions as believers. [Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], no. 158]

On our first trip in 2004, nothing could have prepared us for the welcome we received when we arrived in the small mountain town where we planned to live and serve.  Not only did hundreds of people gather to welcome us, but also fireworks exploded, pine needles covered our paths and flowers were showered upon us every step of the way. Several of us were so moved that we were in tears. We were humbled and did not feel worthy to be honored this way. Their gracious, lavish hospitality reached into our hearts and we, although from a wealthier nation, received much more than we could ever have given.

We continue to bring groups of Americans to Guatemala to build relationships with our Guatemalan sisters and brothers. We strive for solidarity through our shared projects. The lessons are often transformational for our American missionaries because despite the economic challenges the people of Guatemala face, their unwavering commitment to God, family and community is deep and profound.  Each trip, we are invited to get in touch with our own spiritual, emotional, and material poverty.  Through God’s grace, we encounter and wrestle with the challenges of our first world values.

The indigenous people and families in Guatemala have given back to us a thousand-fold as they have kindly and patiently taken us into their homes and taught us the meaning of authentic community and the common good.  They have shown us that there are no higher or lower places at their table, there is always room for everyone.