Holy Land Pilgrimage day 6 - Christmas

we had a beautiful candelight vigil Mass for Christmas, pondering God coming to us and seeking us out moreso than us coming to Him. slept in till 6:30 and prayed morning prayer with Starkovich, my roomate, before opening up a special Christmas stash of pepperoni sticks from Wayne.

Capernaum - Jesus' own town

Mass above Peter's house facing the synagogue where Jesus gave the bread of life discourse. some Austrialians and other pilgrims joined us for Mass--we were the only ones allowed in the city today. Msgr. Gruss preached on God's "reckless generosity" in the place where the men tore the roof off to get their friend to Jesus, where He saw their faith, forgave sins and where He stayed; where many stopped following Him. got to pray for the cia and Pat Flynn.

"What wonderous love is this o my soul..." those who followed Jesus in ordinary encounter, who sat with Him in the medow were amazed at His wonders of multiplying the bread. will you sit with Him in the meadow? those who saw Him in the meadow heard Him in the synagogue where He said "My flesh is tru food, My blood true drink" and they left Him. will you leave Him or stay with Him in wonder? He walked by Matthew and said "follow Me". Matthew got up and followed Him. will you give up all and never look back? its an ordinary encounter but so much ddeper whenever Jesus is involved. i prayed for intentions here, at though i were taking the roof off and lowering my friends down, putting all my hope for them in Him. a deep sense that God heard my prayer.

those of the 3rd year shared in some more pepperoni sticks for 3rd year Christmas- a joyful moment.

Orthodox Church - the centurions house

a time to be thankful, quiet, adoration. surrounded by communion of Saints, chant in the backgroudn. thinking of the infant Jesus, newborn to us. i feel lightened, tired...no words i just want to stay.

bay of parables -

walking back to Tabgha from Capernaum we walked along the shore and prayed a rosary. Brunner, Romportl, Gruber and i ran into Markman, Sparks and Anstotter and read parables for a while where Jesus was in the boat teaching the crowds (Luke 5).

points for prayer -

retreat ends and now we head to Jerusalem; we are going to follow the Master. thank you Lord for the grace to pray when and for however long i want. thank You for good and beautiful weather. thank You for the guys here and the opportunity to pilgrimage. Thank You for letting me visit Your home here on earth in peace, stillness and joy.