Although not Mexican Independence Day, this day, Cinco de Mayo – the Fifth of May – is a day remembered for a small rag-tag army of 2,000 defeating larger French forces at the Battle of Puebla trying to establish a French empire in Mexico. It has become a celebration of Mexican culture.
For those of us who trace our heritage to the Pilgrims or other non-Hispanic roots, it’s important to remember that Mexican culture was alive and well before our spiritual ancestors landed at Plymouth Rock or Jamestown. The poets Anne Bradstreet and Sor Juana Ines de l Cruz were contemporaries, both writing of their relationship to God.
Almost twenty years before Mexican forces were able to rout the French, we invaded Mexico and as a result gained the American Southwest with all Mexicans living in these areas becoming American citizens with all civil rights. It’s important to remember our intimate relationship with Mexico over the centuries as we become a more welcoming nation.
Prayer for the Day
God of all worlds and all time, we confess at this time
That we confuse our desire and our pride with our need;
We know that we have been blessed in this land of bounty,
But we are not satisfied, confusing national pride with your word.
Forgive us and help us to extend your promise of life to all
So we are one people living in community.
We ask this in the name of him who grants us life,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I do not study to know more but to ignore less,
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz (1648-1695)
The respect f the rights of others is peace.
Benito Juarez, lawyer, President of Mexico (1806-1872)
For God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom.
Wisdom is more beautiful than the sun, and excels every constellation of the stars.
Compared with the light, she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night,
But against wisdom evil does not prevail.
Wisdom of Solomon 7: 28-30