Advent is the season when we often reflect on two opposing realities: the ways we bring Christ to the world, and the times when we block Christ’s coming into the world and into our hearts. The goal is always to clear those blockages so that Christ can be born in all aspects of our lives.

Accompanying Bishop Cantú to the detention facility, I encountered the need for Christ in both our hearts and in our society, where, in place of blockages or barriers such as walls there needs to be bridges. In other words, both must become places of welcome rather than exclusion.

In his homily at the immigration detention facility, Bishop Cantú recognized that Christ’s love is the bridge between all man-created separations. “No matter where we are, if we’re on this side of the fence or on that side of the fence, for God there are no barriers, there are no fences, there are no walls,” proclaimed Bishop Cantú. “His love penetrates everywhere and anywhere in the world where the human heart is open to his love.” 

During the Mass, Bishop Rojas passed through the fence gates to bring the Eucharist to the detainees. They reverently received the Body of Christ, and all the deacons, priests, and bishops in attendance watched as many knelt on the hard ground. They also showed great gratitude for our presence and for the Mass.

When we, as a society, begin using detention centers for one another, we take a step backward in making the world ready for Christ. As we prepare the world for Christ in this season of Advent, let us recall that Christ came as the bridge to reconcile us to the Father — not because we were worthy in any way, but because God does not want any barriers between Him and us. Let us pray for a society of welcome and human dignity rather than detention.