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.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
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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