we were up and gone by 5am, El al airlines requires you to be there 3 hours early for the intensive security. going in to this pilgrimage two thoughts are guiding me: 1) from our prayer service last night - we are not just going to the Holy Land. God is calling each one of us to pass through His places not because we deserve or earn it, but for whatever reason, in His plan He wants us to see Him in a new way like when a friend invites you to their home. 2) from a deacon's message to me - Luke 5, go deep, recognize Him by the graces He holds out to you.
we arrived in tel aviv and had a 2.5 hr bus ride to Galilee where we will celebrate Mass and have dinner as soon as we get there (a long travel day). it was 70 degrees as the sun was setting. we passed Mt. Tabor where the transfiguration took place, Nain where the widow's son was raised to life, and Nazareth where Jesus grew up. i can't believe i am in the Holy Land! it doesn't make sense to me yet. i prayed for the intentions given to me as we passed these places.
meditation for tomorrow: let Him be extravagant in His love. sometimes love needs to be expressed in deeds. Love, even when it hurts.
after the prayer service i walked down by the lake, its so calm, tranquil, and inviting. i can hear leaves rustling in the trees.
1 comment:
Matt,
This is truly wonderful--to accompany you on your pilgrimage through your blog. I so appreciate the detail, your reflections and emotions. I know that I'm one of the many you "bore" with you on the trip. Thank you for bearing me and mine along.
Many blessings, Matt! Keep the blogs coming!
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