After almost 3 weeks of our Holy Land Pilgrimage and visits to some parts of Israel and Jordan, we are back home still recuperating from the whole trip. My reflections steered toward my own vocation. My own vocation or calling. The words "Speak Lord, your servant is listening" echoed in my thoughts on several occasions. I asked myself , what have I accomplished for myself, for my own personal growth? What's next?
There were so many places and moments on this trip that affected me. Some of those encounters were heartwarming, thought provoking and some even core-gripping. I was blessed to experience those moments as I constantly sought for those moments during the pilgrimage. Centering myself in prayer just to be in a proper mindset was a bit of a challenge most of the days. When you're in a journey with about 120 people, outside distractions and sort of white noise effect can not be avoided. Just like dealing with the real world. I worked hard on meditation through little prayers and even recitation the my favorite meditative prayer - The Rosary. I have realized that when I placed myself in the presence of GOD, then HE appeared to calm my little storms. He's always been there for me. I just wasn't vulnerable enough or fully accepted his LOVE and MERCY during those times in my life when I was supposed to have sought HIM out first. One of my blogs was called " Quiet! Be Still " is an example of centering prayer - a short but powerful message from GOD.
It was hard for me to point out my favorite moments as there were so many to choose from ( well, almost of them were special ). Some moments have left a deeper mark within me and maybe will stay with me for as long as I live. I pledge to use those moments as reminders in my everyday life, living in full faith and always trying to be a better Christian. It's hard to achieve, but with fervent prayers and acts of faith, I should be able to enact what Christ wants us to do.
Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
Feed my Lambs! What does that mean?
On the shore of the Sea of Galilee there is a unremarkable little church built over the place of the Gospel scene . The altar of the church, called the “Church of the Primacy,” stands on the fairly large outcropping of rock by the sea on which Our Savior cooked and served breakfast to his disciples and on which they reclined and had the marvelous dialogue of Peter’s threefold profession of love and the Lord’s threefold conferral of the primacy. Peter ( the rock in Greek) was affirmed as the foundation through his discipleship together with the apostles, was the beginning of the church. This is where Christ bestowed the gifts and grace to Peter and the apostles. After all, what is the Holy Mass but the supreme example of the generosity, careful manners, and loving speech turned into the very sacrifice of our eternal salvation at the table of the Lord?
The Sea of Galilee, strategically situated below sea level gave that area a tropical climate which makes the shores and valleys stay lush and abundant of plants and animals to sustain life. Jesus lived most of his life in Galilee and showed the abundance of his Love and Grace to humanity there. This was where most of his ministries and miracles happened in the Bible. When I was on the boat with the other pilgrims, cruising in the Sea of Galilee - It felt like on that day, I was gifted with God's amazing grace. I had an encounter with our LORD while on the boat, even with the 100 other pilgrims with me. I kept having these thoughts: "Quiet, Be still" over and over again. I heard him telling me, I got you, Don't worry about the storm, Give me your hand." I felt a tender reassurance and this feeling of everlasting peace in my heart. I remembered one of Khalil Gibran's quotes on Love that "When you Love, God is not in you heart, You are in HIS" ---- It's maybe because HE is the only one that can handle that LOVE and at the same time give you that PEACE and JOY in your heart. I have a feeling that this is how heaven feels. It reminded me to strengthen my FAITH and to never lose sight of HIM no matter what happens. I was there to be shown again how to be one of the " Fishers of Men" .
The boat chapel in the shores of Magdala is called " Duc in Altum".( meaning - "Put out in the Deep") Duc in altum! Cast down your nets deeper to spread the Gospel through Acts of Love and Faith. These words ring out for us today, and they invite us to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm and to look forward to the future with confidence: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever" (Heb 13:8) . Love of God and of one's neighbor are the most important things in our existence as people of Faith. Corporal works of Mercy. !
This trip encouraged me to take every opportunity that come my way where I can perform the Lord's ministry to help others to the best of my ability. I want to continue mt hospitality ministry with the Homeless and seek out other Ministries where I can provide corporal works of Mercy. A little act of kindness and love can go a long way . The Operation Nightwatch in Seattle has given me and Gabe and our volunteers to get involved in helping the least of our brothers and sisters . It’s a start……
May the Good Lord continue to bless you and keep you always.
Prayers for PEACE in the Middle East!
Thank You for Reading...
Cate, thank you for taking us with you on your pilgrimage through the Holy Land. Welcome home! You make us all more whole and holy!
ReplyDeleteYour friend and priest,
Paul Magnano