4424_A pilgrimage…a journey…a commitment
July 1, 2017
It was an advanced celebration of our Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee. Our batch decided to have our retreat pilgrimage to the Holy Land from the 14th to 28th of May. We started in Nazareth, South of Israel and journeyed to the different holy sites like the Basilica of the Annunciation, Sea of Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes, Megiddo, Dalmanutha, Taghba, Capernaum, Mt. Carmel and Mt. Tabor. One wonders how the Lord choose simple places and ordinary people to transmit his message of salvation. Mary’s ‘Yes’ is an example for all of us. The answer of Joseph, the first disciples’ response to the call of Jesus in that coastal road of Galilee’s Sea has left an imprint in my heart. I reflect on the call that I have received from Him.
As we embark going towards the South of Israel, the deserted area reminded me of the journey of the chosen people in the past. We were on a bus, they were walking under the heat of the sun and cold breeze during the night. Yet, the Lord never abandoned them. Just as he continued to guide us in our ministerial service to his people as his priests.
In Jerusalem, I found peace. Visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the Calvary and the Empty Tomb are located. Here I spent a lot of time in prayer. From this place, the Lord proved his divinity. He conquered death and evil. He rose again! Later, we passed by the Garden of Gethsemane and made our Way of the Cross. I pondered, “Am I part of the Jewish crowd, enthusiastically welcoming Him and a little later shouting, ‘Crucify him!’
I was impressed by the holy sites - Bethany, the Gallicantu Church, the Nativity Church, and the Mt. of Temptations, the Visitation Church, Yad Vashem and others. Despite the on-going conflict between the Jews and Palestinians over land disputes, there is still peace and harmony among them. Jerusalem is very clean and its inhabitants are well-disciplined. Christians, Jews and Muslims live together in one land respecting each other.
I have read of these holy sites in Scripture and journeying through these places, I found myself privileged. I did not only see, but I also touched the very place where the Lord was born, where he died and where he rose again. Mary accompanied me in this journey. We began our pilgrimage in her humble and simple house of Nazareth and concluded it in Ein Kerem, the place of her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth.
Our priesthood becomes very significant because of her example of humble obedience to the will of God. As I celebrate my Silver Jubilee, I commit myself therefore to remain faithful and always move forward. God has called me to this ministry, and despite my weaknesses and frailties, will never abandon me in my journey. I count on your prayers for my perseverance till the end.
