3 January 2013 - 1st Thursday, coming home
Calvary -
down to Calvary by 4:30, just trying to be quiet. Encounter, intimacy with a person, not a place. Watched groups come up to pray, venerate Calvary, celebrate Mass. Praying for all priests on this 1st Thursday, all those who asked for special prayers at Calvary. Got to bless Ron and Patti Vasek, Fr. Craig Vasek, Elizabeth and Jillian last night - people calling my priesthood out of me.
Upper Room -
This is the place where 4 of the 7 Sacraments were instituted: Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist and Priesthood. We have a couple hours until 10:30am Mass and 11:30am departure so I'm spending my time here, praying a rosary. Prayed for priests and those who asked for special prayers here.
Intentions - prayed for intentions here today, that all might know the forgiveness of their sins, be renewed in the strength of their Confirmation, be blessed with holy priests, and find Hope in the Eucharist.
On the plane and on our way home, reading Unbroken again, an analogy for priestly zeal.
Thus ends my priestly pilgrimage to the Holy Land, thank you for coming with me!
Taking pictures is not my best attribute. It pulls me out of the moment and so I don't really take many photos. However, there are some guys who do. Here are Deacon David's pictures that he generously shared with anyone who might wish to have a more visual accounting of our time in the Holy Land. Enjoy!
Set 1 (209 photos) - http://flickr.com/gp/desquiliano/3bN910/
Set 2 (280 photos) - http://flickr.com/gp/desquiliano/5xk5cp/
Set 3 (210 photos) - http://flickr.com/gp/desquiliano/W5NUy8/
Set 4 (273 photos) - http://flickr.com/gp/desquiliano/1d888e/
Set 5 (55 photos) - http://flickr.com/gp/desquiliano/3CW34P/
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 12
2 January 2013
Calvary -
Fr. Keith Romke and I happened to show up at the same time to pray at Calvary and we had the special opportunity to celebrate Mass there together with Deacon Doke assisting. There I offered Mass for Kevin and Lisa Mangers family, Bryce and Angel Herman Family, and Keith and Steph Blair family. The homily is below:
The Blood of Christ: the sign of His total self-giving love. Let us pray for the grace to give all our love to Him.
Ein Karim -
This is where Mary visited Elizabeth. Mary proclaims her Magnificat here, full of wonder and gratitude at what the Lord is doing in her. John the Baptist was born here and Zechariah offers his Benedictus - his first words since hearing he would have a son, an "impossible" act of God. There is a striking image here of the soldiers slaughtering the Holy Innocents.
Bethlehem -
Fr. Hurley gave me a great gift today. Here, during my first Christmas as a priest, he is giving me the privilege of offering the Mass of the Nativity at the place where the Nativity took place. This is also a particularly moving place because we will be in the cell of St. Jerome who settled down here and translated the Scriptures here, letting the Incarnation affect his whole life. On December 8th 2012, my spiritual director at Mt. Angel, Fr. Jerome Young OSB died. It was a tough loss to lose someone who knew my soul so well. There are lots of things that I could talk with to him that no one else seemed to get. Heaven's gain, my loss. Here, I offer my Mass intention for the repose of his soul, the best give a spiritual son can offer to his father. Homily below:
St. Jerome let the mystery of this place penetrate his life. In the Incarnation he saw the ordinariness of God made flesh; listened to the silence of the God who speaks divine words in human language. Perhaps the vulgate (translating the scriptures into the "common" tongue) is the result of him soaking up the grace of this place.
What a pity it would be if we didn't follow his example and be influenced by the places we've been:
-At Peter's primacy we saw Jesus appear in the Eucharist where Jesus appeared to Peter.
-At the Mount of Beatitudes we listened to the Sermon on the Mount, on the Mount where Jesus gave that Sermon.
-In Capernaum we received the Body and Blood of Christ where Christ told us His Flesh and Blood are true food and drink.
-At the Jordan River we renewed our Baptismal promises where Jesus sanctified the waters of Baptism.
-We walked up Mount Tabor and talked with one another where Peter James and John walked with Jesus and saw Him talk with Moses and Elijah and hopefully took a moment of silence to pray just as they heard the Father's voice "Listen to Him".
-At Gethsemane we knelt an hour in prayer where Jesus asked us to keep watch with Him.
-At Calvary the Sacrifice of the Mass was re-presented where Jesus consummated His Sacrifice.
-In the Tomb, we celebrated the Resurrection where the Resurrection took place.
And now we are in Bethlehem; what is the grace of this place? Desire.
Desire comes from the latin, "de sidera" "from the stars". We perceive something beyond us, that touches us and awakens a desire in us. It is at first a passive movement- we are stirred; an affective union takes place - not just sentiment, but a genuine affective union develops in our heart that orients and propels us to desire a real union with that which attracted us. This desire of ours is preceded by something else, something real. It is love that precedes desire. The star that appeared above this place so long ago marked the love of God come into the world. The presence of the one who loves us dwelt among us, His beloved, and a desire for real union with Him awakens within us. Just like the Kings, just like the shepherds, we come here to discover what this might mean.
Here, the Light of Christ has come into the world. The Light of Christ purifies and transforms our desires, so that we might see things as they really are, and desire not just something that gives us pleasure, but desire that real union that brings eternal happiness.
Almost imperceptibly He comes into our world, virtually unnoticed. Pause, take a moment to attend to what is stirring in you, permit Him to be your desire and soak in the grace of this place.
Intentions - I prayed for intentions here, that our desires might be transformed, that we might long watchfully and attentively for the grace You wish to give us.
Do not dash through, soak it in. Don't cling to the place but let it penetrate you. A priest is humble in His coming, almost imperceptible, becoming part of the place he entrusts himself to.
Manger -
They were cleaning today and the manger was closed, but after I offered my thanksgiving following Mass I ran into Horn and he showed me a way in; I walked right down to the manger and let this place penetrate me. What is the desire You want to grow in me? The Holy Family was here, the shepherd's, the wise men, in silence Mary pondered all that was said. Thank You. Desire for You; not any thing, but You. Prayed an angelus with Bulso.
Milk Grotto -
a place, a quiet place, where many prayers for conception have been answered. Prayed particularly for those who are trying to conceive, those who have had miscarriages, and those who have children about to be born. Tried to find the shepherd's field with Kuharski but no success. Back to the bus.
Calvary -
It was noisy and busy here today. I tried just to be here and present - tough.
Grace sharing -
Our NAC custom is for each person to share a grace that he received during a retreat, and this is no exception. It is good to share with others the graces given to us, the graces we received. Obviously this is a private affair, a "you had to be there" to get it type of thing, but I share a few anonymous statements the guys shared that struck me.
"I realized I don't have to be at Calvary to celebrate it. In the Mass I'm at all these places, I don't have to be attached to a place or be at a place to experience Christ".
"The beauty of simple devotion of others".
"I realized Christ came not to sanctify places but people".
"The places became personal - Christ had my life in mind when He did these things".
"He's not asking for much, just for me to give Him some time".
"Christ calls me not for what I can give, but because He loves me".
"The graces are different than I expected".
"The ordinariness of Galilee made it so real".
"Gaining the same vantage point of Christ, not intellectually but allowing myself to let the Lord love me".
"The Lord calls us to Faith".
"Its not what I want from you, but what I want for you".
Graces are not an all at once type of thing, they develop over time.
Calvary -
Fr. Keith Romke and I happened to show up at the same time to pray at Calvary and we had the special opportunity to celebrate Mass there together with Deacon Doke assisting. There I offered Mass for Kevin and Lisa Mangers family, Bryce and Angel Herman Family, and Keith and Steph Blair family. The homily is below:
The Blood of Christ: the sign of His total self-giving love. Let us pray for the grace to give all our love to Him.
Ein Karim -
This is where Mary visited Elizabeth. Mary proclaims her Magnificat here, full of wonder and gratitude at what the Lord is doing in her. John the Baptist was born here and Zechariah offers his Benedictus - his first words since hearing he would have a son, an "impossible" act of God. There is a striking image here of the soldiers slaughtering the Holy Innocents.
Bethlehem -
Fr. Hurley gave me a great gift today. Here, during my first Christmas as a priest, he is giving me the privilege of offering the Mass of the Nativity at the place where the Nativity took place. This is also a particularly moving place because we will be in the cell of St. Jerome who settled down here and translated the Scriptures here, letting the Incarnation affect his whole life. On December 8th 2012, my spiritual director at Mt. Angel, Fr. Jerome Young OSB died. It was a tough loss to lose someone who knew my soul so well. There are lots of things that I could talk with to him that no one else seemed to get. Heaven's gain, my loss. Here, I offer my Mass intention for the repose of his soul, the best give a spiritual son can offer to his father. Homily below:
St. Jerome let the mystery of this place penetrate his life. In the Incarnation he saw the ordinariness of God made flesh; listened to the silence of the God who speaks divine words in human language. Perhaps the vulgate (translating the scriptures into the "common" tongue) is the result of him soaking up the grace of this place.
What a pity it would be if we didn't follow his example and be influenced by the places we've been:
-At Peter's primacy we saw Jesus appear in the Eucharist where Jesus appeared to Peter.
-At the Mount of Beatitudes we listened to the Sermon on the Mount, on the Mount where Jesus gave that Sermon.
-In Capernaum we received the Body and Blood of Christ where Christ told us His Flesh and Blood are true food and drink.
-At the Jordan River we renewed our Baptismal promises where Jesus sanctified the waters of Baptism.
-We walked up Mount Tabor and talked with one another where Peter James and John walked with Jesus and saw Him talk with Moses and Elijah and hopefully took a moment of silence to pray just as they heard the Father's voice "Listen to Him".
-At Gethsemane we knelt an hour in prayer where Jesus asked us to keep watch with Him.
-At Calvary the Sacrifice of the Mass was re-presented where Jesus consummated His Sacrifice.
-In the Tomb, we celebrated the Resurrection where the Resurrection took place.
And now we are in Bethlehem; what is the grace of this place? Desire.
Desire comes from the latin, "de sidera" "from the stars". We perceive something beyond us, that touches us and awakens a desire in us. It is at first a passive movement- we are stirred; an affective union takes place - not just sentiment, but a genuine affective union develops in our heart that orients and propels us to desire a real union with that which attracted us. This desire of ours is preceded by something else, something real. It is love that precedes desire. The star that appeared above this place so long ago marked the love of God come into the world. The presence of the one who loves us dwelt among us, His beloved, and a desire for real union with Him awakens within us. Just like the Kings, just like the shepherds, we come here to discover what this might mean.
Here, the Light of Christ has come into the world. The Light of Christ purifies and transforms our desires, so that we might see things as they really are, and desire not just something that gives us pleasure, but desire that real union that brings eternal happiness.
Almost imperceptibly He comes into our world, virtually unnoticed. Pause, take a moment to attend to what is stirring in you, permit Him to be your desire and soak in the grace of this place.
Intentions - I prayed for intentions here, that our desires might be transformed, that we might long watchfully and attentively for the grace You wish to give us.
Do not dash through, soak it in. Don't cling to the place but let it penetrate you. A priest is humble in His coming, almost imperceptible, becoming part of the place he entrusts himself to.
Manger -
They were cleaning today and the manger was closed, but after I offered my thanksgiving following Mass I ran into Horn and he showed me a way in; I walked right down to the manger and let this place penetrate me. What is the desire You want to grow in me? The Holy Family was here, the shepherd's, the wise men, in silence Mary pondered all that was said. Thank You. Desire for You; not any thing, but You. Prayed an angelus with Bulso.
Milk Grotto -
a place, a quiet place, where many prayers for conception have been answered. Prayed particularly for those who are trying to conceive, those who have had miscarriages, and those who have children about to be born. Tried to find the shepherd's field with Kuharski but no success. Back to the bus.
Calvary -
It was noisy and busy here today. I tried just to be here and present - tough.
Grace sharing -
Our NAC custom is for each person to share a grace that he received during a retreat, and this is no exception. It is good to share with others the graces given to us, the graces we received. Obviously this is a private affair, a "you had to be there" to get it type of thing, but I share a few anonymous statements the guys shared that struck me.
"I realized I don't have to be at Calvary to celebrate it. In the Mass I'm at all these places, I don't have to be attached to a place or be at a place to experience Christ".
"The beauty of simple devotion of others".
"I realized Christ came not to sanctify places but people".
"The places became personal - Christ had my life in mind when He did these things".
"He's not asking for much, just for me to give Him some time".
"Christ calls me not for what I can give, but because He loves me".
"The graces are different than I expected".
"The ordinariness of Galilee made it so real".
"Gaining the same vantage point of Christ, not intellectually but allowing myself to let the Lord love me".
"The Lord calls us to Faith".
"Its not what I want from you, but what I want for you".
Graces are not an all at once type of thing, they develop over time.
 |
| Ein Karim, the church of the Visitation where Mary prayed the Magnificat |
 |
| The door into the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem |
 |
| Bethlehem - The Milk Grotto |
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 11
1 January 2013 - Mary Mother of God
I woke up and looked at my alarm: 3:55. In order not to wake up my roommate, Deacon Mark, I thought I'd turn off my alarm and get up 5 min early. As I left the hotel to go down to the Holy Sepulcher there were people all around and fireworks were going off. Man, some party, 4 hours of fireworks is a long time. Glad I slept through them all night in the hotel - good windows make a huge difference! Seeing people all over the place makes me feel odd, at this hour its usually just me. So I look at my watch: 12:30. 12:30? Stupid watch dying on me. So I ask a guy nearby, what time do you have? 12:30. How in the...I am an idiot. My alarm did not say 3:55, but 23:55. My clock is on 24 hr time. I have to laugh at myself. But, as providence would have it, this particular night the Holy Sepulcher is open all night long due to an Orthodox feast - perhaps the only time I could ever have the opportunity to have somewhere to go at this hour, so You have me now Lord, do with me whatever You will. Happy New Year!
Calvary -
After an hour and a half of just sitting there trying to be present and attentive to receiving whatever You wish to give me - I believe You have some good in this silly error of mine, I started to get sleepy. Prayed all the mysteries of the rosary with Tuckerman and Kuhlman, reflecting on Your life, death and resurrection. I find it difficult to pray, Lord, accept my humble offering. Stir up the intensity of my love O Holy Spirit.
Intentions - I prayed for intentions here today, for Your will to be done in our lives, that we would abandon ourselves to Your will.
Jesus, I believe in You. Help me not to be afraid of Your silence. Open my ears that I may hear. It is chilly now and I am cold. I need to move around. I go down to the Armenian chapel, it is warmer there and I can move around since no one is there - except a cat. Morning prayer. Prayed in the Franciscan chapel, reflecting on the Light of Christ. A kind Franciscan helped me to set the missal early and pray in the sacristy before a painting of Mary Magdelene meeting Jesus (my patroness for this pilgrimage); sorrowful and not fully understanding she makes an act of love by going to the Tomb that morning - and encounters the Risen Christ, her Living Lord.
Tomb -
I am ridiculously blessed. I get to celebrate Mass in the Tomb again. My Mass intentions for today are for Aaron Rose and the conversion of my family. Fr. Hurley, Fr. Gaffney, Deacon Mark, Tuckerman, Kuhlman, Deacon Doke, and 3 other pilgrims came to Mass as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. Thank You for loving me. I love You. Peace and joy to pray the Mass, especially in this place. Mary my mother, teach me to ponder with you. Thank you Jesus for waking me up early. Thank You for Your silence. Mary Magdelene, pray that I too may encounter the grace of this place, to soak it in. Below is my homily in full:
Mary, when she saw the angel, responded with fear, wondering and acquiescence, and so became the Mother of God. The Light of Christ has come into the world. How might we see differently, who have encountered in the Light of Christ, our God who would not come down from the Cross to save Himself and Who leaves us with the silence of this empty Tomb.
Breakfast...mmm. Pray at Notre Dame reading John. Martha believed before she saw Lazarus rise. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. I believe that You are God, that You love me, that You can do all things. Come and see and believe; come to believe and see.
Franciscan Chapel -
we all gather together to pray here together. Fr. Hurley - If you are at a place on the verge of nothing exiting, then you are right where Jesus wishes you to be. John was at just another place, just another man except He was beloved. Have faith.
Wailing Wall -
prayed day prayer with Lebsock: Psalms at the Temple wall. Psalm 121 "Where shall my help come from...from the Lord". Psalm 122 "Within your gates O Jerusalem".
Peter in Gallicantu -
Where the prison cell of Jesus was. Read Psalm 88.
Cenaculum -
The upper Room of the Last Supper and Pentecost. Pausing to pray for intentions here, humbled by some of the requests and those that asked me to pray for myself here, especially that Mary might lead us all into deeper union with the Holy Spirit as she did with the Apostles on Pentecost.
Walked back with Tuckerman along the outside wall, now I'm toasted. I've been up for close to 36 hrs with only a 2 hr "nights sleep". I feel good though otherwise, praying for about 10 of the last 12 hours. Thank You for waking me up Jesus.
Notre Dame -
It would be tempting to start thinking about emails, exams, thesis, other places I get to go, people I get to see, other things I have to do, but I am here. What is more, I desire to be here now and not miss the grace of this place. Come Lord Jesus. What did I learn today? Priests need to keep vigil. They need to sit before the mystery in silence. The interior life is not negotiable and often Jesus will change our plans to be with us. And that is the way we must go, even when God is silent there.
Fr. Hurley - be attentive, give an ear to these "11th hour" graces (our pilgrimage is nearing its end).
I woke up and looked at my alarm: 3:55. In order not to wake up my roommate, Deacon Mark, I thought I'd turn off my alarm and get up 5 min early. As I left the hotel to go down to the Holy Sepulcher there were people all around and fireworks were going off. Man, some party, 4 hours of fireworks is a long time. Glad I slept through them all night in the hotel - good windows make a huge difference! Seeing people all over the place makes me feel odd, at this hour its usually just me. So I look at my watch: 12:30. 12:30? Stupid watch dying on me. So I ask a guy nearby, what time do you have? 12:30. How in the...I am an idiot. My alarm did not say 3:55, but 23:55. My clock is on 24 hr time. I have to laugh at myself. But, as providence would have it, this particular night the Holy Sepulcher is open all night long due to an Orthodox feast - perhaps the only time I could ever have the opportunity to have somewhere to go at this hour, so You have me now Lord, do with me whatever You will. Happy New Year!
Calvary -
After an hour and a half of just sitting there trying to be present and attentive to receiving whatever You wish to give me - I believe You have some good in this silly error of mine, I started to get sleepy. Prayed all the mysteries of the rosary with Tuckerman and Kuhlman, reflecting on Your life, death and resurrection. I find it difficult to pray, Lord, accept my humble offering. Stir up the intensity of my love O Holy Spirit.
Intentions - I prayed for intentions here today, for Your will to be done in our lives, that we would abandon ourselves to Your will.
Jesus, I believe in You. Help me not to be afraid of Your silence. Open my ears that I may hear. It is chilly now and I am cold. I need to move around. I go down to the Armenian chapel, it is warmer there and I can move around since no one is there - except a cat. Morning prayer. Prayed in the Franciscan chapel, reflecting on the Light of Christ. A kind Franciscan helped me to set the missal early and pray in the sacristy before a painting of Mary Magdelene meeting Jesus (my patroness for this pilgrimage); sorrowful and not fully understanding she makes an act of love by going to the Tomb that morning - and encounters the Risen Christ, her Living Lord.
Tomb -
I am ridiculously blessed. I get to celebrate Mass in the Tomb again. My Mass intentions for today are for Aaron Rose and the conversion of my family. Fr. Hurley, Fr. Gaffney, Deacon Mark, Tuckerman, Kuhlman, Deacon Doke, and 3 other pilgrims came to Mass as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. Thank You for loving me. I love You. Peace and joy to pray the Mass, especially in this place. Mary my mother, teach me to ponder with you. Thank you Jesus for waking me up early. Thank You for Your silence. Mary Magdelene, pray that I too may encounter the grace of this place, to soak it in. Below is my homily in full:
Mary, when she saw the angel, responded with fear, wondering and acquiescence, and so became the Mother of God. The Light of Christ has come into the world. How might we see differently, who have encountered in the Light of Christ, our God who would not come down from the Cross to save Himself and Who leaves us with the silence of this empty Tomb.
Breakfast...mmm. Pray at Notre Dame reading John. Martha believed before she saw Lazarus rise. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. I believe that You are God, that You love me, that You can do all things. Come and see and believe; come to believe and see.
Franciscan Chapel -
we all gather together to pray here together. Fr. Hurley - If you are at a place on the verge of nothing exiting, then you are right where Jesus wishes you to be. John was at just another place, just another man except He was beloved. Have faith.
Wailing Wall -
prayed day prayer with Lebsock: Psalms at the Temple wall. Psalm 121 "Where shall my help come from...from the Lord". Psalm 122 "Within your gates O Jerusalem".
Peter in Gallicantu -
Where the prison cell of Jesus was. Read Psalm 88.
Cenaculum -
The upper Room of the Last Supper and Pentecost. Pausing to pray for intentions here, humbled by some of the requests and those that asked me to pray for myself here, especially that Mary might lead us all into deeper union with the Holy Spirit as she did with the Apostles on Pentecost.
Walked back with Tuckerman along the outside wall, now I'm toasted. I've been up for close to 36 hrs with only a 2 hr "nights sleep". I feel good though otherwise, praying for about 10 of the last 12 hours. Thank You for waking me up Jesus.
Notre Dame -
It would be tempting to start thinking about emails, exams, thesis, other places I get to go, people I get to see, other things I have to do, but I am here. What is more, I desire to be here now and not miss the grace of this place. Come Lord Jesus. What did I learn today? Priests need to keep vigil. They need to sit before the mystery in silence. The interior life is not negotiable and often Jesus will change our plans to be with us. And that is the way we must go, even when God is silent there.
Fr. Hurley - be attentive, give an ear to these "11th hour" graces (our pilgrimage is nearing its end).
 |
| The square and entrance to the Holy Sepulcher |
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 10
31 December 2012 - New Year's Eve
Tomb -
up at 4am and out by 4:30 with Thai and Nelson. Morning prayer before the Tomb. I am rushing and I feel it. Need for more peaceful/recollected spirit. Took time to pray and make my Mass offering at the altar of Mary Magdelene where Jesus appeared to her.
Mass in the Tomb. Today I offered Mass for the Missionaries of Charity, and Msgr. Checchio and the NAC community. Palowicz, Nelson, Rodgers, Kuharski, Bulso, and a nun came. Here is my homily in full:
Do not be afraid of the silence of God.
Here in this empty Tomb, Jesus is not here. The greatest monument to our faith is that He is not here. We must not cling to this place, just like Mary Magdelene was told, but with a great act of faith realize that we now celebrate the Resurrection where the Resurrection happened.
Calvary -
Fr. Gaffney - "Perhaps the greatest lesson Jesus taught us, an act of pure love". It is not about what I get to do today but what You have done for me, what You are doing for me righ now. Thank You. Help us to receive/accept all that You pour out for us.
Stations -
We went to the church of the Flagellation and began to pray the stations as we walked along the via dolorosa. Just another place, but one I don't want to miss! Real felt need to slow down and recollect. Today is now all to ourselves - Thank You. This must be what parents and families feel like, always rushing around and no time to think. How to help them release in prayer, an opportunity for recollection, to notice Your presence in their life and enter into Your sacred mysteries and not just pass them by due to busyness of life. Don't give up on grace, Peter didn't.
Gethsemane -
crazy crowded with Italian pilgrims. Tried to get into the cave where the apostles stayed but there was Mass going on there too. Finally found a quiet place nearby where Mary was buried - she who always followed and trusted in the Lord, lead us to deeper union with Him! As I began to read Mark my quiet place got crowded and noisy. Jesus was always slipping off to Bethany, a quieter place with Lazarus, Mary and Martha - I understand why. Jerusalem is chaos. Snuck back into the cave at Gethsemane for a moment of quiet with the Blessed Sacrament, but the sacristan and some people were yelling trying to communicate. I helped translate, then it was quiet for a moment before another Mass came in and I had to leave. Back to the garden of Gethsemane.
I prayed for intentions here today, that all in their struggles might find consolation in Christ. Asked for the grace of prayer. No matter what I do or where I go I cannot find a quiet place to pray and reflect. I am scattered and constantly interrupted, talked around, bumped, displaced. Perhaps this is my lesson today: to give up my schedule, to let my hopes and desires, my ministry be shaped by those around me. These people are all pilgrims, though some are much more tourists, maybe here only once in their lives for 5 min. I am fortunate enough to have the time and the desire to pray longer. That is what life is like, people always around with different attitudes and dispositions, all needing You. Do not let me be a deterrent to them by my attitude, do not let me make them into an obstacle in listening/seeing You. Non mea sed Tua volunta. Crush my pride and open my heart and mind to accept Your silence. To be at peace with giving up my own way. To focus on You, give my attention to You in the chaos of life's challenges, busyness and distractions. To think of You, to think of others, not myself. To love humility. To be content in suffering. To be in love with You.
Prayer and love cannot be rushed. In a moment they can flood the depths of your heart and enflame your soul, but they will not be pressed into a moment.
Just as I was coming to grips with chaos, Gethsemane kicked me out. I wander about and stumble into the Armenian church at the 3rd and 4th stations - a place devoted to silence.
Adoration -
down below the main church is a crypt where they have perpetual adoration. It is quiet and still. Teach me to ponder the mysteries of our Lord; the mysteries I have encountered and celebrated today. In the midst of the chaos of the carrying of the Cross Mary found Jesus and she looked at Him face to face. For the space of a moment they encounter one another. Now I have this same opportunity to see Jesus face to face. O Jesus, let us encounter/discover Your love.
How you encountered people: "Jesus, looking at him, loved him..." (Mark 9).
Jesus came to Jerusalem to die. He taught about a time of reckoning in Jerusalem, that we must give an account. Judas betrayed; scribes, pharisees, herodians set up trecharies; Peter denied; the Twelve did not believe Mary Magdelene. Finished Matthew and Mark.
Notre Dame -
Began reading John. Much different than Matthew and Mark. "Come" "Believe". The way Jesus interacts, He's always speaking about deeper things. Speaks to the hidden hopes of their hearts. Fr. Keith Romke shows up here, Fr. Craig Vasek too - what a grace to meet them here unexpectedly. Fr. Lockey is here too (Illinois, Minnesota, and now Texas have shown up in the Holy Land. Ridiculous). To be interested in another, to make them feel wanted, to want to be around them. This is what I encounter in these priests, this is what Jesus is doing in John.
Fr. Hurley - there is a temptation to pull back from prayer, from entering into prayer. Especially meditate on the Empty Tomb. Wrestle with what it would be like after Good Friday. Temptations from the desert to temptations on the Cross - come down, save Yourself and us. We are tempted to grasp for ourself or we are going to get screwed over. Disciples wrestle with what they expect the Messiah to look like and what happens to Jesus.
Tomb -
up at 4am and out by 4:30 with Thai and Nelson. Morning prayer before the Tomb. I am rushing and I feel it. Need for more peaceful/recollected spirit. Took time to pray and make my Mass offering at the altar of Mary Magdelene where Jesus appeared to her.
Mass in the Tomb. Today I offered Mass for the Missionaries of Charity, and Msgr. Checchio and the NAC community. Palowicz, Nelson, Rodgers, Kuharski, Bulso, and a nun came. Here is my homily in full:
Do not be afraid of the silence of God.
Here in this empty Tomb, Jesus is not here. The greatest monument to our faith is that He is not here. We must not cling to this place, just like Mary Magdelene was told, but with a great act of faith realize that we now celebrate the Resurrection where the Resurrection happened.
Calvary -
Fr. Gaffney - "Perhaps the greatest lesson Jesus taught us, an act of pure love". It is not about what I get to do today but what You have done for me, what You are doing for me righ now. Thank You. Help us to receive/accept all that You pour out for us.
Stations -
We went to the church of the Flagellation and began to pray the stations as we walked along the via dolorosa. Just another place, but one I don't want to miss! Real felt need to slow down and recollect. Today is now all to ourselves - Thank You. This must be what parents and families feel like, always rushing around and no time to think. How to help them release in prayer, an opportunity for recollection, to notice Your presence in their life and enter into Your sacred mysteries and not just pass them by due to busyness of life. Don't give up on grace, Peter didn't.
Gethsemane -
crazy crowded with Italian pilgrims. Tried to get into the cave where the apostles stayed but there was Mass going on there too. Finally found a quiet place nearby where Mary was buried - she who always followed and trusted in the Lord, lead us to deeper union with Him! As I began to read Mark my quiet place got crowded and noisy. Jesus was always slipping off to Bethany, a quieter place with Lazarus, Mary and Martha - I understand why. Jerusalem is chaos. Snuck back into the cave at Gethsemane for a moment of quiet with the Blessed Sacrament, but the sacristan and some people were yelling trying to communicate. I helped translate, then it was quiet for a moment before another Mass came in and I had to leave. Back to the garden of Gethsemane.
I prayed for intentions here today, that all in their struggles might find consolation in Christ. Asked for the grace of prayer. No matter what I do or where I go I cannot find a quiet place to pray and reflect. I am scattered and constantly interrupted, talked around, bumped, displaced. Perhaps this is my lesson today: to give up my schedule, to let my hopes and desires, my ministry be shaped by those around me. These people are all pilgrims, though some are much more tourists, maybe here only once in their lives for 5 min. I am fortunate enough to have the time and the desire to pray longer. That is what life is like, people always around with different attitudes and dispositions, all needing You. Do not let me be a deterrent to them by my attitude, do not let me make them into an obstacle in listening/seeing You. Non mea sed Tua volunta. Crush my pride and open my heart and mind to accept Your silence. To be at peace with giving up my own way. To focus on You, give my attention to You in the chaos of life's challenges, busyness and distractions. To think of You, to think of others, not myself. To love humility. To be content in suffering. To be in love with You.
Prayer and love cannot be rushed. In a moment they can flood the depths of your heart and enflame your soul, but they will not be pressed into a moment.
Just as I was coming to grips with chaos, Gethsemane kicked me out. I wander about and stumble into the Armenian church at the 3rd and 4th stations - a place devoted to silence.
Adoration -
down below the main church is a crypt where they have perpetual adoration. It is quiet and still. Teach me to ponder the mysteries of our Lord; the mysteries I have encountered and celebrated today. In the midst of the chaos of the carrying of the Cross Mary found Jesus and she looked at Him face to face. For the space of a moment they encounter one another. Now I have this same opportunity to see Jesus face to face. O Jesus, let us encounter/discover Your love.
How you encountered people: "Jesus, looking at him, loved him..." (Mark 9).
Jesus came to Jerusalem to die. He taught about a time of reckoning in Jerusalem, that we must give an account. Judas betrayed; scribes, pharisees, herodians set up trecharies; Peter denied; the Twelve did not believe Mary Magdelene. Finished Matthew and Mark.
Notre Dame -
Began reading John. Much different than Matthew and Mark. "Come" "Believe". The way Jesus interacts, He's always speaking about deeper things. Speaks to the hidden hopes of their hearts. Fr. Keith Romke shows up here, Fr. Craig Vasek too - what a grace to meet them here unexpectedly. Fr. Lockey is here too (Illinois, Minnesota, and now Texas have shown up in the Holy Land. Ridiculous). To be interested in another, to make them feel wanted, to want to be around them. This is what I encounter in these priests, this is what Jesus is doing in John.
Fr. Hurley - there is a temptation to pull back from prayer, from entering into prayer. Especially meditate on the Empty Tomb. Wrestle with what it would be like after Good Friday. Temptations from the desert to temptations on the Cross - come down, save Yourself and us. We are tempted to grasp for ourself or we are going to get screwed over. Disciples wrestle with what they expect the Messiah to look like and what happens to Jesus.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 9
30 December 2012 - Holy Family
Up at 4am and out by 4:30 to go to the Holy Sepulcher with Luxama, Keating, and Thai. Morning Prayer before the tomb.
Calvary -
One of the ridiculous things about being a priest is the possibility to celebrate Mass, and it just so happened that I was able to reserve special altars in Jerusalem for Mass with a few people. Today, I get to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Family at Calvary with the guys listed above and a few other people that were there, including a few Missionaries of Charity. I offered Mass today for Mom on her birthday. Sense of gratitude and peace. At most of these places one is allotted only 1/2 hr for Mass so everything has to be concise, but it was still prayerful. Here is the whole of my homily:
The Family is the dwelling place of love.
"The family is the privileged setting where every person learns to give and receive love" (Benedict XVI). Let us learn from the Holy Family: Mary, always pondering on the great mysteries of Christ's life; Joseph, there is no record of any words he ever spoke, but only his acts, decisive acts of Faith; and Jesus, who opened not His mouth as He was led to be crucified. Let us be mindful of where we are. We are at Calvary. The consummation of love happened here.
Breakfast and prayer in the chapel at Notre Dame. Looking forward to some quiet time today. Thank You for looking out for me. I need quiet today. Like You, I want to set my face toward Jerusalem, to soak in the priestly significance of this place; to hear the Gospels anew, to think about Judas and my own betrayal and silence.
Dormition Abbey -
We got to pray with the Monks here in German. After prayer they invited us to coffee and social - very nice and kind of them, but I don't drink coffee or speak German, and I just want to go away by myself and pray. I feel like my day is being taken away and wasted. Every extra instruction/needless delay perturbs me. I am less than charitable. Down in the crypt I remember Fr. Quan's lesson "Make my Magnificat yours". Lord Jesus, fill me, that I might also give Your love to others and not my leftovers, my own sentiments, or seek to win their love or take from them. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. I can tell it will be easy for me to be sharp, critical, to complain, to do things to make myself feel good or right today. Lord, help me not to fear such a light Cross.
Once we were finally free I went back to Dormition Abbey and found the Blessed Sacrament tucked away in the crypt and prayed, reading Matthew. I prayed for intentions here today, that Mary would intercede for them all since I am not praying well. Here is a place of trust, that even when death came she placed herself in Your hands and You preserved her from corruption.
Notre Dame -
After a quick look at the Last Supper Room and Peter in Gallicantu I came back for a nap. I could go back out, but Jerusalem is all chaos, new stimulus and noise and I crave reflection reflection time. So I stay here to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. I owe prayers for people at Gethsemane, Caiaphas' well, and the upper room.
Adoration -
The fidelity of Jesus - He did not come down from the Cross. "Behold I am with you always, even till the end of the age". Does Jesus love me? Know His love by His faithful presence, His promise of the Eucharist. A priest must not be afraid of silence, especially the silence of God. A priest must be humble, accept humble sufferings, that should he deny Christ as Peter did, he will permit Jesus' love for him, that he will accept again Jesus' faithful love and not deny it. My prayer from the primacy of Peter is answered: How was Peter so confidently able to say "Lord You know I love You?" He had no doubt in Jesus' love for him. Convinced by Jesus faithful love for him on Calvary, he was unafraid to run to that love. Not confidence in himself but confidence in Jesus' love.
Up at 4am and out by 4:30 to go to the Holy Sepulcher with Luxama, Keating, and Thai. Morning Prayer before the tomb.
Calvary -
One of the ridiculous things about being a priest is the possibility to celebrate Mass, and it just so happened that I was able to reserve special altars in Jerusalem for Mass with a few people. Today, I get to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Family at Calvary with the guys listed above and a few other people that were there, including a few Missionaries of Charity. I offered Mass today for Mom on her birthday. Sense of gratitude and peace. At most of these places one is allotted only 1/2 hr for Mass so everything has to be concise, but it was still prayerful. Here is the whole of my homily:
The Family is the dwelling place of love.
"The family is the privileged setting where every person learns to give and receive love" (Benedict XVI). Let us learn from the Holy Family: Mary, always pondering on the great mysteries of Christ's life; Joseph, there is no record of any words he ever spoke, but only his acts, decisive acts of Faith; and Jesus, who opened not His mouth as He was led to be crucified. Let us be mindful of where we are. We are at Calvary. The consummation of love happened here.
Breakfast and prayer in the chapel at Notre Dame. Looking forward to some quiet time today. Thank You for looking out for me. I need quiet today. Like You, I want to set my face toward Jerusalem, to soak in the priestly significance of this place; to hear the Gospels anew, to think about Judas and my own betrayal and silence.
Dormition Abbey -
We got to pray with the Monks here in German. After prayer they invited us to coffee and social - very nice and kind of them, but I don't drink coffee or speak German, and I just want to go away by myself and pray. I feel like my day is being taken away and wasted. Every extra instruction/needless delay perturbs me. I am less than charitable. Down in the crypt I remember Fr. Quan's lesson "Make my Magnificat yours". Lord Jesus, fill me, that I might also give Your love to others and not my leftovers, my own sentiments, or seek to win their love or take from them. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. I can tell it will be easy for me to be sharp, critical, to complain, to do things to make myself feel good or right today. Lord, help me not to fear such a light Cross.
Once we were finally free I went back to Dormition Abbey and found the Blessed Sacrament tucked away in the crypt and prayed, reading Matthew. I prayed for intentions here today, that Mary would intercede for them all since I am not praying well. Here is a place of trust, that even when death came she placed herself in Your hands and You preserved her from corruption.
Notre Dame -
After a quick look at the Last Supper Room and Peter in Gallicantu I came back for a nap. I could go back out, but Jerusalem is all chaos, new stimulus and noise and I crave reflection reflection time. So I stay here to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. I owe prayers for people at Gethsemane, Caiaphas' well, and the upper room.
Adoration -
The fidelity of Jesus - He did not come down from the Cross. "Behold I am with you always, even till the end of the age". Does Jesus love me? Know His love by His faithful presence, His promise of the Eucharist. A priest must not be afraid of silence, especially the silence of God. A priest must be humble, accept humble sufferings, that should he deny Christ as Peter did, he will permit Jesus' love for him, that he will accept again Jesus' faithful love and not deny it. My prayer from the primacy of Peter is answered: How was Peter so confidently able to say "Lord You know I love You?" He had no doubt in Jesus' love for him. Convinced by Jesus faithful love for him on Calvary, he was unafraid to run to that love. Not confidence in himself but confidence in Jesus' love.
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| The Beautiful Nativity Scene on the Feast of the Holy Family at Dormition Abbey. I am struck by good wood carvings. |
Monday, January 21, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 8
29 December 2012
Holy Sepulcher -
Deacon Bentz and I woke up early and went down the the Holy Sepulcher before breakfast. We got to go right into the Tomb by ourselves for a few moments, then spend a quiet hour at Calvary. Lord Jesus, open my heart to whatever You wish. Today will be busy.
Gethsemane -
Mass, which I offered for my friend Fr. Rich Mastrogiacomo. The first place we go in Jerusalem is Gethsemane, a place associated with Jesus' suffering and the silence of God, the silence of God right where we most need Him. Don't be afraid to enter into the silence of God, it was not one of frustration for Jesus, but ultimately confirming His mission, what the Father was asking of Him (Fr. Hurley's homily).
Ascension -
Jesus has eyes only for the Father. I believe Lord, help my unbelief. This was the last place St. Ignatius visited before being kicked out of the Holy Land.
Dominus Flevit -
Prayed for intentions here today, particularly remembering those who have lost children. As I was praying I realized that I too must weep with Jesus. For all those who turn away, who don't know Jesus' love, for all those in trial and suffering.
St. Stephen -
Praying in the place where St. Stephen was martyred. Remembering Noel, Kruse, Markman, and Verona when we tried to get to this spot a few years ago together. Remembering Mandy and my first reach team, and all the Stephens I know: dad, Fr. Steve, McDonough, Beyer, Kosiewicz, Prisk. We are flying today, tough for me to recollect with so much input.
St. Anne's church -
On the via dolorosa, where the leper was cleansed. weary, lots of running, unrecollected, crazy. I am tired and scattered. Lunch with Luxama, Keating, and Bentz.
Gethsemane at Night -
at 8:30pm we were let into the dark of the Garden of Gethsemane for an hour of prayer: Non Mea sed Tua volunta. This is where Peter, James, and John could not stay awake. This is where Jesus said "pray that you might not undergo the test. This is where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. I too, when I am tired and overfed am less attentive, responsive and focused. Benediction in the garden, singing Ubi Caritas - beautiful.
Holy Sepulcher -
Deacon Bentz and I woke up early and went down the the Holy Sepulcher before breakfast. We got to go right into the Tomb by ourselves for a few moments, then spend a quiet hour at Calvary. Lord Jesus, open my heart to whatever You wish. Today will be busy.
Gethsemane -
Mass, which I offered for my friend Fr. Rich Mastrogiacomo. The first place we go in Jerusalem is Gethsemane, a place associated with Jesus' suffering and the silence of God, the silence of God right where we most need Him. Don't be afraid to enter into the silence of God, it was not one of frustration for Jesus, but ultimately confirming His mission, what the Father was asking of Him (Fr. Hurley's homily).
Ascension -
Jesus has eyes only for the Father. I believe Lord, help my unbelief. This was the last place St. Ignatius visited before being kicked out of the Holy Land.
Dominus Flevit -
Prayed for intentions here today, particularly remembering those who have lost children. As I was praying I realized that I too must weep with Jesus. For all those who turn away, who don't know Jesus' love, for all those in trial and suffering.
St. Stephen -
Praying in the place where St. Stephen was martyred. Remembering Noel, Kruse, Markman, and Verona when we tried to get to this spot a few years ago together. Remembering Mandy and my first reach team, and all the Stephens I know: dad, Fr. Steve, McDonough, Beyer, Kosiewicz, Prisk. We are flying today, tough for me to recollect with so much input.
St. Anne's church -
On the via dolorosa, where the leper was cleansed. weary, lots of running, unrecollected, crazy. I am tired and scattered. Lunch with Luxama, Keating, and Bentz.
Gethsemane at Night -
at 8:30pm we were let into the dark of the Garden of Gethsemane for an hour of prayer: Non Mea sed Tua volunta. This is where Peter, James, and John could not stay awake. This is where Jesus said "pray that you might not undergo the test. This is where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. I too, when I am tired and overfed am less attentive, responsive and focused. Benediction in the garden, singing Ubi Caritas - beautiful.
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| monkeying around next to a 2,00 year old olive tree |
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| Gethsemane |
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| Looking at Jerusalem from Dominus Flevit |
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 7
28 December 2012 - Holy Innocents
Dalmanutha -
Mass at sunrise on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, another of Jesus' "lonely places". I offered Mass here for Msgr. Powers. Consecration and sunrise coincide. Fr. Hurley - "a carpenter's son tells a fisherman how to fish, but Peter doesn't take offense. Instead he submits and makes an act of Faith" (Cast out into the deep). My retreat ends today, but not my pilgrimage. We start on our way down to Jerusalem.
Baptismal Site of Jesus at Jordan -
renewed our Baptismal promises. Prayed for all those who have forgotten their Baptisms (struck by how someone else's prayer, someone else's insight can affect me and change my prayer).
Jericho -
Site of the temptation of Jesus, where he went out into the desert to be tempted by satan. He was tempted and He resisted. Blind Bartimaeus and Zaccheus were from here.
Qumran -
where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Hiked up the hill to a little cave and sat in the shade away from the hot sun. Prayed for intentions here that we all might live out our vocation to holiness to the full, in whatever state of life or challenges we may face; for a renewal of fervor, integrity, for the light of Christ in our life.
Dead Sea -
when its all about me, no life can live. We must have an outlet to love.
Jerusalem -
settle into our rooms, there is adoration going on right as I walk into the chapel. Pray the stations. Death. You died. A priest must die, fall, suffer. Help me not to flee from suffering, not to fear Your silence. Continue to teach me to be Your priest. Thank you. Read Matthew and Mark where Jesus heads toward Jerusalem. Pray Psalms of ascent as we come up to Jerusalem.
Fr. Hurley - Jesus is going from Jericho to Jerusalem. He doesn't presume to do something to Bartimaeus but asks him, "what do you want Me to do for you?" Now we are here in Jerusalem. Believe the Lord is doing something in your life; pay attention to what your reactions are. What do you want to ask of Him as He comes near you?
Fr. Gaffney - surrender.
Dalmanutha -
Mass at sunrise on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, another of Jesus' "lonely places". I offered Mass here for Msgr. Powers. Consecration and sunrise coincide. Fr. Hurley - "a carpenter's son tells a fisherman how to fish, but Peter doesn't take offense. Instead he submits and makes an act of Faith" (Cast out into the deep). My retreat ends today, but not my pilgrimage. We start on our way down to Jerusalem.
Baptismal Site of Jesus at Jordan -
renewed our Baptismal promises. Prayed for all those who have forgotten their Baptisms (struck by how someone else's prayer, someone else's insight can affect me and change my prayer).
Jericho -
Site of the temptation of Jesus, where he went out into the desert to be tempted by satan. He was tempted and He resisted. Blind Bartimaeus and Zaccheus were from here.
Qumran -
where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Hiked up the hill to a little cave and sat in the shade away from the hot sun. Prayed for intentions here that we all might live out our vocation to holiness to the full, in whatever state of life or challenges we may face; for a renewal of fervor, integrity, for the light of Christ in our life.
Dead Sea -
when its all about me, no life can live. We must have an outlet to love.
Jerusalem -
settle into our rooms, there is adoration going on right as I walk into the chapel. Pray the stations. Death. You died. A priest must die, fall, suffer. Help me not to flee from suffering, not to fear Your silence. Continue to teach me to be Your priest. Thank you. Read Matthew and Mark where Jesus heads toward Jerusalem. Pray Psalms of ascent as we come up to Jerusalem.
Fr. Hurley - Jesus is going from Jericho to Jerusalem. He doesn't presume to do something to Bartimaeus but asks him, "what do you want Me to do for you?" Now we are here in Jerusalem. Believe the Lord is doing something in your life; pay attention to what your reactions are. What do you want to ask of Him as He comes near you?
Fr. Gaffney - surrender.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 6
27 December - Feast of St. John
Capernuam -
Mass, which I offered for Archbishop Vlazny. I got to be principle celebrant today in the place of Faith. I took the host into my hands "This is my body..." and it struck me there that this is the place where Jesus said "My flesh is true food" and many walked away and stopped following Him (John 6). And here You are in my hands. My heart smitten by Your presence. Convince us of your Love for us; don't let our hearts be hard to receive it. Jesus, I trust in You. A synthesis of my homily below:
Being in the Holy Land has taught each of us that the place speaks. So what is the "theology" of this place? To find out, we'll take a look at this place from a hometown boy's perspective: Matthew's take.
1 - Matthew 4 (Mark 2) - he sees healings, here in this place Jesus forgives a man his sins, and a paralytic walks.
2 - Matthew 5-7 - he hears Jesus' teaching on the mount, His instructions to those who follow Jesus and hears how their lives must be different.
3 - Matthew 8 - the centurions faith. Matthew sees a gentile make Jesus marvel, perhaps he thought, "there is hope for me too".
4 - Matthew 9 - Then Jesus calls him; he gets up and follows Him, no questions asked, he's ready
5 - Matthew 11:23-24 - as a disciple he hears Jesus talk about his hometown: "Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be cast down to the netherworld". Judgment is real, even for those who have experienced the Lord's work in their lives.
6 - Matthew 14 (John 6) - He sees Jesus feed 5,000 and give His teaching in the synagogue right out that window.
What can we take from Matthew's view of Capernaum?
This is a place of discipleship and faith. This is a place of satisfaction and indifference.
Its easy to get comfortable, satisfied with what we've received, no longer following Jesus, or open to receiving the graces at the next step of faith, but camping out, wanting the same thing we already received, no longer believing.
But this is also a place of faith. Why did Matthew follow Jesus? How was he able to get up and change his life forever at a moments notice? Somewhere along the line he was convinced of Jesus' love for him. Following, leaving all else behind was an act of faith in Jesus Christ worth any sacrifice.
Today is our last day here in Galilee, what will this place be for us? Is it be a place of satisfaction and indifference, checking something off our list of things to see, stocking up our bags with graces like those in today's gospel who were fed but walked away when asked to believe, who just wanted Jesus' works, His graces?
Or, is it a place of faith and discipleship, where we are convinced of Jesus' love for us and we are ready to offer our fiat to Him, an act of Faith in the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ who we encountered here. Today, this is the place to ask ourselves, am I convinced of Jesus' love for me?
Intentions - In this place of faith I offer intentions, that all might be convinced of your love for them and choose to follow You. In the place where men lowered their friend to Jesus, and upon seeing their faith Jesus forgave the man his sins, I offered prayers, lowering each one down to You, with all my Hope and Faith that You will do something in/for them.
Sitting by the Lake in Capernaum -
quiet, sunny and still. Perhaps I'm sitting right near where Matthew worked and was called by you. Lord, do in me whatever You will, crush my pride, help me to see aright. Finished reading through Matthew 18, when Jesus starts heading to Jerusalem, finishing His time in Galilee. It is interesting to gain a perspective of Matthew as a whole. It seems like he is leading people toward making an act of Faith. Jesus' miracles, teaching, sets His disciples apart, the way we can show our love for God, and then following Him. Now He is on His way to Jerusalem, and I will follow by reading that as we go to Jerusalem tomorrow.
I also started reading Mark to get a look at things from Peter's eyes (Lebsock). All You ask for is Faith. Everywhere You go You are looking for Faith and You find people looking for signs, harness of heart, non-understanding. O Jesus we believe, help our unbelief. We accept You, or desire to. We want to amaze You with our faith.
Mount of Beatitudes -
rosary walk to the mount to say goodbye. "Listen to Him" "Pondered all these things in her heart" "Accept" "Do you still not believe?" are the phrases that linger in my heart after these days in Galilee. Teach me how to be Your priest. "Listen to My words and act on them". Re-read the sermon on the mount - for those who would follow You.
Primacy of Peter -
How was Peter so confidently able to say "Lord, You know that I love You"? Re-read John 21. I don't want to lead a lukewarm life. Restore me in love as you did Peter. I imagined Peter standing on the shore dripping wet, naked, looking at Jesus face to face, silent. Love does crazy things. Each day is a step of Faith, not desiring the old but giving with faith, trustingly, to what is next. Love is acceptance.
Loaves and Fishes -
To love to be interrupted, to love to be unknown. To give when you've gone to rest yourself. To let your heart be open to another. To be thankful. The sun has set, the temperature drops, remembering Fr. Jeremias: "Do not let Christ's coming near to you fade; He is always coming near to us".
Adoration -
Finished reading the instruction to the liturgy of the hours. Thank you for bringing me here.
Fr. Hurley - Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem (Luke). Strong words. Tomorrow is a day of travel, but still of prayer.
(no pics today, I'm lazy. I'll probably be lazy tomorrow too :)
Capernuam -
Mass, which I offered for Archbishop Vlazny. I got to be principle celebrant today in the place of Faith. I took the host into my hands "This is my body..." and it struck me there that this is the place where Jesus said "My flesh is true food" and many walked away and stopped following Him (John 6). And here You are in my hands. My heart smitten by Your presence. Convince us of your Love for us; don't let our hearts be hard to receive it. Jesus, I trust in You. A synthesis of my homily below:
Being in the Holy Land has taught each of us that the place speaks. So what is the "theology" of this place? To find out, we'll take a look at this place from a hometown boy's perspective: Matthew's take.
1 - Matthew 4 (Mark 2) - he sees healings, here in this place Jesus forgives a man his sins, and a paralytic walks.
2 - Matthew 5-7 - he hears Jesus' teaching on the mount, His instructions to those who follow Jesus and hears how their lives must be different.
3 - Matthew 8 - the centurions faith. Matthew sees a gentile make Jesus marvel, perhaps he thought, "there is hope for me too".
4 - Matthew 9 - Then Jesus calls him; he gets up and follows Him, no questions asked, he's ready
5 - Matthew 11:23-24 - as a disciple he hears Jesus talk about his hometown: "Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be cast down to the netherworld". Judgment is real, even for those who have experienced the Lord's work in their lives.
6 - Matthew 14 (John 6) - He sees Jesus feed 5,000 and give His teaching in the synagogue right out that window.
What can we take from Matthew's view of Capernaum?
This is a place of discipleship and faith. This is a place of satisfaction and indifference.
Its easy to get comfortable, satisfied with what we've received, no longer following Jesus, or open to receiving the graces at the next step of faith, but camping out, wanting the same thing we already received, no longer believing.
But this is also a place of faith. Why did Matthew follow Jesus? How was he able to get up and change his life forever at a moments notice? Somewhere along the line he was convinced of Jesus' love for him. Following, leaving all else behind was an act of faith in Jesus Christ worth any sacrifice.
Today is our last day here in Galilee, what will this place be for us? Is it be a place of satisfaction and indifference, checking something off our list of things to see, stocking up our bags with graces like those in today's gospel who were fed but walked away when asked to believe, who just wanted Jesus' works, His graces?
Or, is it a place of faith and discipleship, where we are convinced of Jesus' love for us and we are ready to offer our fiat to Him, an act of Faith in the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ who we encountered here. Today, this is the place to ask ourselves, am I convinced of Jesus' love for me?
Intentions - In this place of faith I offer intentions, that all might be convinced of your love for them and choose to follow You. In the place where men lowered their friend to Jesus, and upon seeing their faith Jesus forgave the man his sins, I offered prayers, lowering each one down to You, with all my Hope and Faith that You will do something in/for them.
Sitting by the Lake in Capernaum -
quiet, sunny and still. Perhaps I'm sitting right near where Matthew worked and was called by you. Lord, do in me whatever You will, crush my pride, help me to see aright. Finished reading through Matthew 18, when Jesus starts heading to Jerusalem, finishing His time in Galilee. It is interesting to gain a perspective of Matthew as a whole. It seems like he is leading people toward making an act of Faith. Jesus' miracles, teaching, sets His disciples apart, the way we can show our love for God, and then following Him. Now He is on His way to Jerusalem, and I will follow by reading that as we go to Jerusalem tomorrow.
I also started reading Mark to get a look at things from Peter's eyes (Lebsock). All You ask for is Faith. Everywhere You go You are looking for Faith and You find people looking for signs, harness of heart, non-understanding. O Jesus we believe, help our unbelief. We accept You, or desire to. We want to amaze You with our faith.
Mount of Beatitudes -
rosary walk to the mount to say goodbye. "Listen to Him" "Pondered all these things in her heart" "Accept" "Do you still not believe?" are the phrases that linger in my heart after these days in Galilee. Teach me how to be Your priest. "Listen to My words and act on them". Re-read the sermon on the mount - for those who would follow You.
Primacy of Peter -
How was Peter so confidently able to say "Lord, You know that I love You"? Re-read John 21. I don't want to lead a lukewarm life. Restore me in love as you did Peter. I imagined Peter standing on the shore dripping wet, naked, looking at Jesus face to face, silent. Love does crazy things. Each day is a step of Faith, not desiring the old but giving with faith, trustingly, to what is next. Love is acceptance.
Loaves and Fishes -
To love to be interrupted, to love to be unknown. To give when you've gone to rest yourself. To let your heart be open to another. To be thankful. The sun has set, the temperature drops, remembering Fr. Jeremias: "Do not let Christ's coming near to you fade; He is always coming near to us".
Adoration -
Finished reading the instruction to the liturgy of the hours. Thank you for bringing me here.
Fr. Hurley - Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem (Luke). Strong words. Tomorrow is a day of travel, but still of prayer.
(no pics today, I'm lazy. I'll probably be lazy tomorrow too :)
Friday, January 18, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 5
26 December 2012 - Feast of St. Stephen
Nazareth -
Where Jesus grew up, with Mary and Joseph teaching Him the faith and how to live - God silently learns from man. Prayed for intentions here today, especially families, those trying to conceive, for those who are pregnant. Being in the church of the Annunciation, I am struck by the awareness that Your grace is ever present - nothing is impossible for you; but do we receive it? It is obvious You are willing and offering Your grace already for those whom I am praying, though perhaps differently than they may wish. What makes me sad is that there are many who will not respond to the grace you offer, or will reject it. I notice the desire to stay with the hidden life of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. At Mass Fr. Gaffney preached about "surprise, seeming impossibility, and submission". I offered my Mass intention for a couple who hope to conceive, in this place where Mary conceived Jesus with her "fiat". Here she places herself under the Mission of Christ. Jesus, don't let us resist Your grace! Help us to be present to the grace of this place. Some attendants notice all of us trying to pray and open up a special area where we can be right next to the cave of the Annunciation and pray, undisturbed by the crowds ushering by - little acts of charity that make a big difference to us!
Synagoge - (Luke 4, Matthew)
Jesus reads from the scroll, and "His own accepted Him not".
Annunciation Cave -
We have 1 hr to pray; I choose to spend my time here. Jesus, I don't want to miss you come near to me, to be unresponsive or unreceptive to your grace. Help me to say my fiat to You like Mary, with full faith. We prayed the Angelus at noon in the place where the Angel appeared to Mary. The silence of God (remembering Shusaku Endo's book). For 30 years He lived here quietly, silently in Nazareth. Mary pondered on this "silence", when the angel came, when the shepherds came, when she found Him in the temple.
Mount Tabor -
We walked up the mount just like Peter, James and John did when they saw Jesus reveal Himself in the Transfiguration. Praying for a transformation of desire. Africans were singing in the church when we got there - so joyful and full of life. Jesus spent 30 years listening to us in Nazareth, here the Father's voice asks us not to do anything but "listen to Him".
Fr. Hurley - this is an important place. The disciples thought they knew who Jesus was, and when He takes them up here to show them His glory they are afraid. Don't be deceived into thinking you fully understand the mystery of Jesus.
Adoration - Just a few of us here after a long day, good just to be silent with Jesus.
pics - 1) Church on top of Mt. Tabor; 2) Crusader's arch at dusk on Mt. Tabor; 3) view from side of church
Nazareth -
Where Jesus grew up, with Mary and Joseph teaching Him the faith and how to live - God silently learns from man. Prayed for intentions here today, especially families, those trying to conceive, for those who are pregnant. Being in the church of the Annunciation, I am struck by the awareness that Your grace is ever present - nothing is impossible for you; but do we receive it? It is obvious You are willing and offering Your grace already for those whom I am praying, though perhaps differently than they may wish. What makes me sad is that there are many who will not respond to the grace you offer, or will reject it. I notice the desire to stay with the hidden life of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. At Mass Fr. Gaffney preached about "surprise, seeming impossibility, and submission". I offered my Mass intention for a couple who hope to conceive, in this place where Mary conceived Jesus with her "fiat". Here she places herself under the Mission of Christ. Jesus, don't let us resist Your grace! Help us to be present to the grace of this place. Some attendants notice all of us trying to pray and open up a special area where we can be right next to the cave of the Annunciation and pray, undisturbed by the crowds ushering by - little acts of charity that make a big difference to us!
Synagoge - (Luke 4, Matthew)
Jesus reads from the scroll, and "His own accepted Him not".
Annunciation Cave -
We have 1 hr to pray; I choose to spend my time here. Jesus, I don't want to miss you come near to me, to be unresponsive or unreceptive to your grace. Help me to say my fiat to You like Mary, with full faith. We prayed the Angelus at noon in the place where the Angel appeared to Mary. The silence of God (remembering Shusaku Endo's book). For 30 years He lived here quietly, silently in Nazareth. Mary pondered on this "silence", when the angel came, when the shepherds came, when she found Him in the temple.
Mount Tabor -
We walked up the mount just like Peter, James and John did when they saw Jesus reveal Himself in the Transfiguration. Praying for a transformation of desire. Africans were singing in the church when we got there - so joyful and full of life. Jesus spent 30 years listening to us in Nazareth, here the Father's voice asks us not to do anything but "listen to Him".
Fr. Hurley - this is an important place. The disciples thought they knew who Jesus was, and when He takes them up here to show them His glory they are afraid. Don't be deceived into thinking you fully understand the mystery of Jesus.
Adoration - Just a few of us here after a long day, good just to be silent with Jesus.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 4
25 December 2012 - Christmas!
Up at 5am. Celebrated Christmas Mass at Dawn just as light was coming into the sky. Only the altar candles provided light until the sun arose and they were joined by a greater source of light. I offered this Mass for all the people whom I've gotten to serve, who I am asked to serve now, and whom I will serve - pro populo. At the consecration, I experienced holding the infant Body of Christ as He Incarnated Himself in our world, and stood at the foot of the Cross as His blood came pouring out for the forgiveness of sins. Offering this all to the Father in the Power of Jesus' Resurrection for all mankind. Thank you Jesus.
A nice Christmas celebration with Deacon Mark and breakfast. I continued reading the Instruction to the liturgy of the hours. The Benedictines at Loaves and Fishes were very kind and hospitable to us, allowing us to pray with them today. I hope to be as attentive and welcoming as they are.
Stayed quiet most of the day, took a nap and a rosary walk to the waterfall as daylight fades from the sky. Prayed for intentions here today, where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. May we all notice Your subtle coming to us amidst the daily work of our lives. May we be credible witnesses to the life Jesus gives us and calls us to so that others might believe in Him and not us. Love alone is credible. Love stirs up desire.
Fr. Hurley - Spend some time with Jesus today. If you stay connected to the world, I guarantee you'll miss Him. He is so subtle here.
Adoration -
Remembering Fr. Jeremias "Let this day continue. Jesus coming near to us, associating with us in the flesh. Don't let it pass over and be gone."
Banquet -
The Benedictines and the German young adult volunteers joined us for an awesome Christmas dinner. Egg rolls, rice, meat, veggies of every sort, and dessert all in plenty. We traded turns singing Christmas carols in our different languages, one Benedictine pulled out his accordian to add to the cheer. It was a heartfelt time of beauty, joy, and sharing with friends as we sang of Christ's coming to us. Un cor et un' anima sola.
Christmas morning goodies!
Up at 5am. Celebrated Christmas Mass at Dawn just as light was coming into the sky. Only the altar candles provided light until the sun arose and they were joined by a greater source of light. I offered this Mass for all the people whom I've gotten to serve, who I am asked to serve now, and whom I will serve - pro populo. At the consecration, I experienced holding the infant Body of Christ as He Incarnated Himself in our world, and stood at the foot of the Cross as His blood came pouring out for the forgiveness of sins. Offering this all to the Father in the Power of Jesus' Resurrection for all mankind. Thank you Jesus.
A nice Christmas celebration with Deacon Mark and breakfast. I continued reading the Instruction to the liturgy of the hours. The Benedictines at Loaves and Fishes were very kind and hospitable to us, allowing us to pray with them today. I hope to be as attentive and welcoming as they are.
Stayed quiet most of the day, took a nap and a rosary walk to the waterfall as daylight fades from the sky. Prayed for intentions here today, where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. May we all notice Your subtle coming to us amidst the daily work of our lives. May we be credible witnesses to the life Jesus gives us and calls us to so that others might believe in Him and not us. Love alone is credible. Love stirs up desire.
Fr. Hurley - Spend some time with Jesus today. If you stay connected to the world, I guarantee you'll miss Him. He is so subtle here.
Adoration -
Remembering Fr. Jeremias "Let this day continue. Jesus coming near to us, associating with us in the flesh. Don't let it pass over and be gone."
Banquet -
The Benedictines and the German young adult volunteers joined us for an awesome Christmas dinner. Egg rolls, rice, meat, veggies of every sort, and dessert all in plenty. We traded turns singing Christmas carols in our different languages, one Benedictine pulled out his accordian to add to the cheer. It was a heartfelt time of beauty, joy, and sharing with friends as we sang of Christ's coming to us. Un cor et un' anima sola.
Christmas morning goodies!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 3
24 December 2012 - Christmas Eve day
Mount of Beatitudes
Mass. I was the principle celebrant. Yesterday I offered Mass for my Goddaughter Genevieve Elise, today I offered Mass for Joey, Samantha and Emily, other Godchildren of mine, for their Christmas present. The sister welcomed us with such kindness and calm, giving us freedom to prepare and start at our leisure - totally changes how I can enter in to the moment by her welcome. Below is a synthesis of my homily, because I know you all love to read homilies :)
Going to Fr. Giertych after class one day I told him: Fr., thank you for your class. I really enjoy it and you teach us a lot. Its just that every time I leave your class I feel like I need to change my whole life - could you stop exploding my head! Without missing a beat, he responds in all sincerity: "I'm not trying to explode your head, I'm trying to explode your heart". Stuck to the core I retorted, see, thats exactly what I'm talking about!
That's what the beatitudes are, Jesus' way of exploding our hearts. St. Ambrose says that in Luke 6 we have the sermon on the plain, where Jesus comes down to teach the crowds; but in Matthew 5-7 we have the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus comes to the crowds and to those who followed Him up the mountain He gives a deeper teaching as to disciples. That's us. For we who are trying to follow Jesus in our lives, this message is for us. Paul's words come on strongly now. If any pride pops up at the thought of being a "special" disciple of Jesus ask Him to crush your pride. For its not because we are so great, "not many of us are wise, influential, or well born" but we are nevertheless "called" (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). St. Ambrose calls the beatitudes Jesus' "self portrait". Why? So we will recognize Him when He comes to us. Just like a picture of your family, so you don't forget, so that they are present to you somehow through the picture.
Consider where we are: the Mount. And from this vantage point Jesus can see another Mount where His face will be poor in spirit, sorrowing, lowly, hungry, thirsty, doling out mercy and peace even though persecuted and insulted. From the Mount of Beatitudes we see Mount Calvary.
Brothers, it is Christmas Eve day. Our Lord is coming near to us to reveal His glory. Here He gives us His self-portrait so that we might recognize Him as He comes to us today. Don't understand Him only in your mind, but receive Him as He wishes to reveal Himself to you; and let your hearts be exploded.
Jack - "Nice sermon on the mount on the mount where Jesus preached this sermon".
Intentions - I prayed for intentions here today, what do You want to teach those I'm praying for?
Loaves and Fishes Monastery -
Where the feeding of the 5,000 took place (Matthew 14:13-21). Superabundance is the sign that the Kingdom is already in our midst. This is a place of Thanksgiving. The disciples just returned from their mission and Jesus says "come away to a lonely place by yourselves" (Mark 6:30-44). The crowds showed up. If it were me, I'd be jealous of my time. I would be happy for having been sent on mission, I would have stories I wanted to tell, I would have wanted to be alone and reflect with Jesus. Having got to my lonely place I would be perturbed that the crowds came. Though there was not much bread I would be happy to have a little and share this time with the other apostles and Jesus, but to share it with an impossible amount of people would dishearten me. Yet, Jesus is unbegrudged. He is ready to welcome the other. He is quick to allow pity to stir in His Heart for them, quick to respond with openness and quick to call forth gift from others, particularly us, His disciples. He is not sorry to ask us to spend ourselves. "Give them some bread yourselves". This is the life of Your disciple, to give what we have. Connected to the Vine we will always have something to give. "Non mea sed Tua volunta" The priest is not his own.
Lunch of beef jerky and visit with Bentz, Lebsock, Keating and Nelson. Good conversation. Good men.
Eremos Cave -
Trying to recollect the day a little, praying with more of Matthew's Gospel. 3pm Stations of the Cross up the Mount of Beatitudes, rosary on the way back down.
Waterfall -
Need to pray and reflect. "I desire mercy and not sacrifice". What do You wish to teach me? No answer.
Adoration -
What do You want to teach me? As I was praying a scripture struck me in a personal way: "What did you come to the Holy Land to see? A reed blowing in the wind? Then what did you come here to see? A man clothed in fine garments? What did you come to see? A priest? Yes, I tell you and more than a priest. If you are willing to accept it, I am the High Priest, the King, and the Messiah. You have come to follow in my steps, follow closely, I will teach you how to be a priest".
In silent, simple adoration, quite unexpectedly, just coming to offer a prayer, You already come to meet me. A heart exploded. Joy, peace, Trust, freedom, Hope.
Christmas Eve Mass. Christmas party until 11:30pm. Eating a hot pepper at dinner is a mistake.
Introducing Seamus Bear! Seamus is a bear a third grade girl from Scio, OR is sending around to see how far he can go. I kinda saw him as getting to be with you, going to these places together. Whenever you see him in a pic, just imagine yourself there with me. (pic 1 - sunrise at my spot on the sea of Galilee. pic 2 - lunch with the guys at loaves and fishes)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 2
23 December 2012
Up at 5am and sitting on the Sea of Galilee, very dark and cool. As light creeps into the sky I can see more and more. What was always there I can now distinguish. Light changes things; well, I guess it doesn't change things so much as it does me, my perception of reality. A fitting lesson as we prepare for the Light of Christ to come into the world. What will I notice in His light? my mind is racing, all the things I can do in this place, Scriptures to read, where to go, homilies to prepare...slow down. I am in Galilee. I am a priest. Act of Faith, Hope, and Love. Urge to do many things - don't miss this, don't rush.
Primacy of Peter - John 21:1-19
Mass. The sacristan rushed us. Maybe we were late, maybe not, but it affected how we prayed. I let him work me up and distract me at Mass, thinking about his parameters - what a difference we make for each other by our welcome. Jesus revealed Himself here. The disciples realized it was the Lord here. Peter confesses his love here. Jesus says follow Me. A thought strikes me: how was Peter so confidently able to say "You know I love You" when he knew he denied Jesus so recently and he's just gone back to his old life of fishing?
I prayed for intentions here today that we might trust the Lord, be convinced of His love. Love needs to be lived. Don't let us doubt You, even if we have great cause to doubt ourselves.
Capernaum - John 6
In the synagogue, the place where Jesus gave the bread of life discourse. The place means something. You wanted to show us the real, but we weren't ready to accept it. Matthew was from this town. Orthodox church is here, near the centurion's house (Matthew 8:5-13).
Mount of Beatitudes/Eremos Cave -
Read the Sermon on the Mount together (Matthew 5-7). I stayed and continued to read Matthew 1-9, letting him be my guide to following Jesus. This is where Jesus taught His disciples. Lord, what do you want to teach me up here? How do I respond to Your teaching?
So much to take in, I can't process anything. Need to soak in more, not so much doing. Reading "Instruction for the Liturgy of the Hours".
Fr. Hurley - God sees so much more in our lives than we do.
Adoration at Primacy of Peter -
Jesus appeared where Jesus appeared. Is this not crazy? So awesome.
Up at 5am and sitting on the Sea of Galilee, very dark and cool. As light creeps into the sky I can see more and more. What was always there I can now distinguish. Light changes things; well, I guess it doesn't change things so much as it does me, my perception of reality. A fitting lesson as we prepare for the Light of Christ to come into the world. What will I notice in His light? my mind is racing, all the things I can do in this place, Scriptures to read, where to go, homilies to prepare...slow down. I am in Galilee. I am a priest. Act of Faith, Hope, and Love. Urge to do many things - don't miss this, don't rush.
Primacy of Peter - John 21:1-19
Mass. The sacristan rushed us. Maybe we were late, maybe not, but it affected how we prayed. I let him work me up and distract me at Mass, thinking about his parameters - what a difference we make for each other by our welcome. Jesus revealed Himself here. The disciples realized it was the Lord here. Peter confesses his love here. Jesus says follow Me. A thought strikes me: how was Peter so confidently able to say "You know I love You" when he knew he denied Jesus so recently and he's just gone back to his old life of fishing?
I prayed for intentions here today that we might trust the Lord, be convinced of His love. Love needs to be lived. Don't let us doubt You, even if we have great cause to doubt ourselves.
Capernaum - John 6
In the synagogue, the place where Jesus gave the bread of life discourse. The place means something. You wanted to show us the real, but we weren't ready to accept it. Matthew was from this town. Orthodox church is here, near the centurion's house (Matthew 8:5-13).
Mount of Beatitudes/Eremos Cave -
Read the Sermon on the Mount together (Matthew 5-7). I stayed and continued to read Matthew 1-9, letting him be my guide to following Jesus. This is where Jesus taught His disciples. Lord, what do you want to teach me up here? How do I respond to Your teaching?
So much to take in, I can't process anything. Need to soak in more, not so much doing. Reading "Instruction for the Liturgy of the Hours".
Fr. Hurley - God sees so much more in our lives than we do.
Adoration at Primacy of Peter -
Jesus appeared where Jesus appeared. Is this not crazy? So awesome.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - day 1
[For all those who would like to "come with me" on my priestly pilgrimage to the places where Jesus lived and died here are a few notes and a pic or two. I hope this might be a blessing for you and that my meager reflections might spur a thought or a prayer for you. Forgive the scattered and incoherent thoughts, its my best attempt to share my experince with you, but its only a peek.]
22 December 2012
Last night we had a prayer vigil to help us prepare to not just go on a trip, but to get in the mindset of pilgrimage - leaving our everyday life behind in order to walk with Jesus, to go where He wants to lead us, to discover Him on the journey. Deacon Mark Bentz and I will be roommates and I just finished "Silence" by Shusaku Endo, a historical fiction on the difficulty between practicing faith in a non-Christian culture. His reflects on how all believers act like Judas, we all betray. This was a striking book as it made me reflect on my own weaknesses and pride in my relationship with Jesus.
It would have been Grandpa Frey's birthday today and I offered Mass for him and Grandma Frey today.
I need less than I want and I take more than I need. Taking Mary Magdelene as my model of trusting Jesus, not being afraid to "go deep" (Luke 5) however Jesus wants. I prayed for all the intentions in the airport as we were waiting to leave. Just like Mary and Joseph, along with the whole world were in transit at this time for the census, so many are in transit back home. Waiting and travelling, we all meet on the way. Slow down, take it all in.
I enjoyed watching the awe of the men as they experienced arriving in the Holy Land for the first time. On the bus from Tel Aviv to Galilee I began reading "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand about a man in WWII whose plane went down in the Pacific Theater. I will give it up for a week to better focus on being where I am at. Its dusk when we arrive, passing Mt. Tabor and praying evening prayer at sunset. Mass, dinner, and now evening reflection.
Fr. Hurley - imitate Mary's total dependence on God. Your guidebook here is the Bible. In our lives we get so busy that oftentimes the Lord's voice, His call to you gets muddled. How has the Lord's call for you been muddled? God has called you here for a reason, He has something to show you, something to give you: pay attention, be ready to receive it.
22 December 2012
Last night we had a prayer vigil to help us prepare to not just go on a trip, but to get in the mindset of pilgrimage - leaving our everyday life behind in order to walk with Jesus, to go where He wants to lead us, to discover Him on the journey. Deacon Mark Bentz and I will be roommates and I just finished "Silence" by Shusaku Endo, a historical fiction on the difficulty between practicing faith in a non-Christian culture. His reflects on how all believers act like Judas, we all betray. This was a striking book as it made me reflect on my own weaknesses and pride in my relationship with Jesus.
It would have been Grandpa Frey's birthday today and I offered Mass for him and Grandma Frey today.
I need less than I want and I take more than I need. Taking Mary Magdelene as my model of trusting Jesus, not being afraid to "go deep" (Luke 5) however Jesus wants. I prayed for all the intentions in the airport as we were waiting to leave. Just like Mary and Joseph, along with the whole world were in transit at this time for the census, so many are in transit back home. Waiting and travelling, we all meet on the way. Slow down, take it all in.
I enjoyed watching the awe of the men as they experienced arriving in the Holy Land for the first time. On the bus from Tel Aviv to Galilee I began reading "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand about a man in WWII whose plane went down in the Pacific Theater. I will give it up for a week to better focus on being where I am at. Its dusk when we arrive, passing Mt. Tabor and praying evening prayer at sunset. Mass, dinner, and now evening reflection.
Fr. Hurley - imitate Mary's total dependence on God. Your guidebook here is the Bible. In our lives we get so busy that oftentimes the Lord's voice, His call to you gets muddled. How has the Lord's call for you been muddled? God has called you here for a reason, He has something to show you, something to give you: pay attention, be ready to receive it.
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