At the Foot of the Cross

At my ministry at the immigration courthouses, my main job is to accompany people as they appear for their court hearings. When people leave the courtroom, other volunteers and I are waiting outside for them. We call them over to where we are, ask them to sit, and talk with them to share information in case they are detained by ICE as they attempt to leave the courthouse. When people come to us and sit in the chairs in our area, I often unconsciously kneel at their feet in front of them as I talk with them so I can write better while we speak. While this movement may have started out unintentional, I feel it is very symbolic of my mission experience.

A few months ago, my friend Deirdre, returned Maryknoll Lay Missioner and current Executive Director of the US Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, imparted wisdom that perfectly describes mission: “When we are sent on mission, we are called to be with people at the foot of the cross.” As I reach the end of my time on mission with FMS, this beautiful imagery feels very apt. 

Over the last two years, I have had the opportunity to walk with people through many different experiences — from greeting people as they enter the United States to calling family members to let them know their loved one was detained by ICE. All of these moments of accompaniment have allowed me to truly be with people during the highs and lows of their lives. I realize now that walking with people during these moments has continuously led me back to the foot of the cross. Through being present with people and doing what I can for them, in some small way, I can love people as God loves us. In the highs and lows of being with the people I am accompanying, I have tried to be an example of God’s love in our world. In trying to exemplify God’s love, I am reminded of the ultimate example of love through God sacrificing His son for us, which brings us all to the foot of the cross together.

I realize now that I have spent the last two years of mission trying to emulate God’s example of love in my ministries and relationships. When I kneel before the people I am accompanying at the courthouse, I am humbling myself and joining them at the foot of the cross in trying to love them just as He loves. I hope to continue to try to exemplify God’s love in our world today after my time on mission ends.

Question for Reflection: How is God inviting you to “kneel at the foot of the cross” while you serve your sisters and brothers?