Suffering and Grace at the Border with Victoria Tester

Meditating on the Passion, on the Lord’s suffering for us, we often recall times and places of other suffering — in our own hearts, our lives, the lives of others. Several weeks ago, I was introduced to a woman who has seen what it’s like for God to bear witness to himself in the life and sufferings of his people in profound ways across borders: borders of nationality and religious tradition; across the lines of sinner and saint, priest and prostitute. These stories are about some of God’s people living at the border of Mexico and the U.S., and how a New Mexico photographer and writer found herself, over and over, involved in the work, the suffering, the questions and prayers of folks in a small town called Palomas. These stories are also about how God works in and through the wounds of our lives as we meet very similar wounds in our neighbors. How do the marks of violence and pain become doors to grace?

My guest is Victoria Tester. Victoria is a Third Order Franciscan and a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coleman, Texas. She is a poet and playwright and a recipient of awards that include an Academy of American Poets prize and a Willa Cather Literary Award. She has also worked as a photographer and founded the San Isidro Bean Project which, in a time of famine, made over a million meals possible in cooperation with a family farm.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

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