Pray with Mexico on Sunday July 29, 2018

Lectionary Selection: John 6:1-21

Prayers for Mexico:

God Father and Mother,

Thank you for your word that comforts us and encourages us in the middle of the road. Through Jesus Christ, your incarnate word, that identified with our realities and announces the arrival of your kingdom of justice, peace, and truth.

Strengthen us in the presence of your Holy Spirit, divine breath that brings us health and well-being in the midst of pain and suffering. Let your light shine on our footsteps and your warmth light up our love.

We implore your piety, oh good Lord, for those who suffer because of illness, hunger and injustice. May your ears be inclined to the cry of the oppressed, may your eyes see the pain of those who suffer and hurry, oh good Lord, your salvation.

Hug us with your love and bless us in your mercy. The example of Jesus and the strength of your Spirit sustain our witness and service in the midst of your people. Thank you for giving us the privilege of humbly announcing the good news of the arrival of your kingdom. Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Mexico:

The reading of the Gospel of John (6: 1-21) today more than ever causes us to bear witness with signs and signs of life and solidarity. In the Gospel of John healing and miracles are understood as “signs” of the manifestation of the glory of God. From the beginning of the gospel we have this idea: “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him “(John 2:11). In our reading, this same idea opens and closes the story of the feeding of the people: “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw the signs that he did in the sick” (John 6: 2); “Those men then, seeing the sign that Jesus had made, said: This truly is the prophet who was to come into the world” (John 6:14). The people seek and follow Jesus because they have seen the signs of salvation made by him. Jesus has restored life and restored the dignity of people.

At this moment it is a pleasure to celebrate a year of ministry in the Theological Community of Mexico. It has been a year of much learning and great challenges that were presented as opportunities to serve others. Thinking about “the signs that Jesus did in the sick” as evidences of the arrival and presence of the kingdom of God, I recognize a great opportunity in the field of preventive health to promote a full and dignified life, especially in marginalized and vulnerable communities. The workshops and lectures on nutrition and prevention of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and obesity have been well received by the different groups where we have had the opportunity to share them.

Despite the efforts made by the Mexican health system to prevent the aforementioned diseases, bad eating habits continue to affect the health of a large part of the population. In recent years, malnutrition and childhood obesity continue to be the main problems to be solved in the country. Malnutrition, which significantly affects the southern region, and obesity, which affects the north, extend throughout the entire Mexican territory, highlighting the need to increase efforts to promote a diet healthy and balanced in all age groups with special attention to children, adolescents and the elderly. That is why the process of raising awareness with families in the communities is fundamental to promote new and good eating habits that nurture our bodies and keep us healthy for the glory of God. The new practices of feeding and disease prevention that we promote in the workshops become signs of full and abundant life.

We give thanks to the God of life, because even in the midst of darkness and the sea that rises with stormy winds as signs of chaos, your presence infuses us with faith and courage when we hear your voice saying “I am, do not be afraid.” (Jn 6: 16-21)

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Cindy Moraga-Selva)

Mission Partners in Mexico:

More information on Mexico: https://www.globalministries.org/mexico

Cindy is a member of Primera Iglesia Misión Cristiana, Managua, Nicaragua. She serves as a Partner to Partner position at the Theological Community of Mexico (CTdeM). Make a gift that supports the work of Cindy Moraga-Selval