Several people have asked that I keep a blog of my sabbatical time. I am happy to do this.
The address is http://johnoconnor2010.blogspot.com/
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The road ahead...
There is a very real sense in which a pilgrimage does not have an earthly ending. We will journey as people of faith until we are fully united with God.
There has been an intensity in our time together - Living together at Gate E27, dining together at Sue's last Saturday night, adjusting to life at home while others are where we wanted to be ... Each of these circumstances have their challenges. In each of these moments, and in all these situations, God has been at work in us.
A tourist often sees the world only through the lens of a camera. A pilgrims views all reality with the eyes of faith. Often the circumstances of a moment are too distracting or traumatic for us and we instinctively narrow our perspective as a kind of survival mechanism. Once the suffering has lessened a little, and the pain is less acute, we feel more safe and can reflect more fruitfully on the experience. This is the life of a pilgrim. It is this journey we continue together.
Over the next few days I will offer some further reflections to help us to pray with the circumstances we have lived through. Later this week, this OLV Pilgrimage Blog will conclude.
Over the next couple of days please share your own comments and reflections. We are grateful to the many people who have shared a comment over these weeks. Thank you. Offer a thought or two on how the weeks have been for you. How have you noticed God at work? What would you like to share with those who have walked this challenging journey with you?
If you are not online you might ask someone else to contribute the comment for you.
It would be good to hear from anyone who wishes to contribute, as a way of together drawing this part of our journey together to a close.
Blessings & Love
John
There has been an intensity in our time together - Living together at Gate E27, dining together at Sue's last Saturday night, adjusting to life at home while others are where we wanted to be ... Each of these circumstances have their challenges. In each of these moments, and in all these situations, God has been at work in us.
A tourist often sees the world only through the lens of a camera. A pilgrims views all reality with the eyes of faith. Often the circumstances of a moment are too distracting or traumatic for us and we instinctively narrow our perspective as a kind of survival mechanism. Once the suffering has lessened a little, and the pain is less acute, we feel more safe and can reflect more fruitfully on the experience. This is the life of a pilgrim. It is this journey we continue together.
Over the next few days I will offer some further reflections to help us to pray with the circumstances we have lived through. Later this week, this OLV Pilgrimage Blog will conclude.
Over the next couple of days please share your own comments and reflections. We are grateful to the many people who have shared a comment over these weeks. Thank you. Offer a thought or two on how the weeks have been for you. How have you noticed God at work? What would you like to share with those who have walked this challenging journey with you?
If you are not online you might ask someone else to contribute the comment for you.
It would be good to hear from anyone who wishes to contribute, as a way of together drawing this part of our journey together to a close.
Blessings & Love
John
This part of our pilgrimage is complete...
This morning our group of ten, left the hotel to move in different directions. Some are heading for home today. Others to see different parts of the and to travel further afield. We continue our prayers for safe travel for all. I am now beginning the next stage of my sabbatical with a month of study here in Rome.
As we prayed last night and again this morning, we remembered again that we are less than one third of our complete group. While we have not been physically together these past couple of weeks, we have journeyed together in many other ways. We have shared joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties. We have loved one another as a community of faith.
Some last photos of the group as we prepared to depart. The pictures tell the story.
+++
Remember Thomas Merton's Prayer for the Pilgrim. We have all been through a lot since we first prayed this together at our pre-pilgrimage meetings. Because of all we have been through together we have a new depth of understanding and of faith. Let us continue to pray with and for each other:
A Pilgrim's Prayer by Thomas Merton
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end....
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you,
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road, though
I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem lost in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Amen
As we prayed last night and again this morning, we remembered again that we are less than one third of our complete group. While we have not been physically together these past couple of weeks, we have journeyed together in many other ways. We have shared joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties. We have loved one another as a community of faith.
Some last photos of the group as we prepared to depart. The pictures tell the story.
+++
Remember Thomas Merton's Prayer for the Pilgrim. We have all been through a lot since we first prayed this together at our pre-pilgrimage meetings. Because of all we have been through together we have a new depth of understanding and of faith. Let us continue to pray with and for each other:
A Pilgrim's Prayer by Thomas Merton
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end....
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you,
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road, though
I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem lost in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Amen
Friday, May 7, 2010
Benedict XVI Audience
On Wednesday, our first day in Rome, we gathered in St Peter's Square for the audience with the Pope. As I mentioned a couple of days ago - we heard "Our Lady of Victories, Christchurch" read out. The pope heard this too!
He spoke in several languages. This is what he said to us in English:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
During my recent visit to Turin, I prayed before the sacred Shroud, which invites us to contemplate the face of Christ and to ponder the mystery of his death and resurrection. As members of Christ’s Body, the Church, all the baptized are called to share in his saving work. In these final days of the Year for Priests, however, I would like to return to the specific ministry of the priest and, today, to his ministry of sanctification. Holiness, as we know, is proper to God, who is himself absolute truth, goodness, love and beauty. As ministers of Christ, priests bring us into life-giving contact with the mystery of God’s holiness. Thanks to the priest’s preaching of the Gospel and his celebration of the sacraments, we are enabled to approach God and to be transformed gradually into the divine image. In the celebration of the sacraments, and in particular the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Christ’s sanctifying work is constantly made present and effective. In their devout celebration of the sacraments, priests sanctify the faithful and are themselves sanctified and configured ever more closely to Christ. I ask all of you to pray for priests and their ministry of sanctification, that they may be true shepherds according to God’s heart.
* * *
I send cordial greetings to all who will be taking part in the Congress on the Family in Jönköping, Sweden, later this month. Your message to the world is truly a message of joy, because God’s gift to us of marriage and family life enables us to experience something of the infinite love that unites the three divine persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, are made for love – indeed at the core of our being, we long to love and to be loved in return. Only God’s love can fully satisfy our deepest needs, and yet through the love of husband and wife, the love of parents and children, the love of siblings for one another, we are offered a foretaste of the boundless love that awaits us in the life to come. Marriage is truly an instrument of salvation, not only for married people but for the whole of society. Like any truly worthwhile goal, it places demands upon us, it challenges us, it calls us to be prepared to sacrifice our own interests for the good of the other. It requires us to exercise tolerance and to offer forgiveness. It invites us to nurture and protect the gift of new life. Those of us fortunate enough to be born into a stable family discover there the first and most fundamental school for virtuous living and the qualities of good citizenship. I encourage all of you in your efforts to promote a proper understanding and appreciation of the inestimable good that marriage and family life offer to human society. May God bless all of you.
------------
A more complete summary can be found at
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1001888.htm
He spoke in several languages. This is what he said to us in English:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
During my recent visit to Turin, I prayed before the sacred Shroud, which invites us to contemplate the face of Christ and to ponder the mystery of his death and resurrection. As members of Christ’s Body, the Church, all the baptized are called to share in his saving work. In these final days of the Year for Priests, however, I would like to return to the specific ministry of the priest and, today, to his ministry of sanctification. Holiness, as we know, is proper to God, who is himself absolute truth, goodness, love and beauty. As ministers of Christ, priests bring us into life-giving contact with the mystery of God’s holiness. Thanks to the priest’s preaching of the Gospel and his celebration of the sacraments, we are enabled to approach God and to be transformed gradually into the divine image. In the celebration of the sacraments, and in particular the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Christ’s sanctifying work is constantly made present and effective. In their devout celebration of the sacraments, priests sanctify the faithful and are themselves sanctified and configured ever more closely to Christ. I ask all of you to pray for priests and their ministry of sanctification, that they may be true shepherds according to God’s heart.
* * *
I send cordial greetings to all who will be taking part in the Congress on the Family in Jönköping, Sweden, later this month. Your message to the world is truly a message of joy, because God’s gift to us of marriage and family life enables us to experience something of the infinite love that unites the three divine persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, are made for love – indeed at the core of our being, we long to love and to be loved in return. Only God’s love can fully satisfy our deepest needs, and yet through the love of husband and wife, the love of parents and children, the love of siblings for one another, we are offered a foretaste of the boundless love that awaits us in the life to come. Marriage is truly an instrument of salvation, not only for married people but for the whole of society. Like any truly worthwhile goal, it places demands upon us, it challenges us, it calls us to be prepared to sacrifice our own interests for the good of the other. It requires us to exercise tolerance and to offer forgiveness. It invites us to nurture and protect the gift of new life. Those of us fortunate enough to be born into a stable family discover there the first and most fundamental school for virtuous living and the qualities of good citizenship. I encourage all of you in your efforts to promote a proper understanding and appreciation of the inestimable good that marriage and family life offer to human society. May God bless all of you.
------------
A more complete summary can be found at
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1001888.htm
Rome
Internet access is not easy in the hotel so these postings will be brief. Over the weekend I will offer some more substantial reflections.
For the moment, just a brief update. Yesterday we began with an early morning Mass at the Tomb of Saint Peter. We prayed there for you all, and especially for Bishop Barry and our diocese of Christchurch.
Later in the day, visits to the basilicas of St Mary Major and St John Lateran (the pope's cathedral).
This morning at 7 we celebrated Mass in St Peter's basilica - at an altar very close to the main altar. During that Mass the names of all of you pilgrims who did not make it this far were read aloud in prayer during the Prayers of Intercession. A few pilgrims from Texas joined us for this Mass.
Today is a free day and our final meal of the pilgrimage will be dinner tonight.
I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it has been for you all as the pilgrimage continues in two places (NZ and Rome). Knowing that there are some pilgrims still making the pilgrimage that you had hoped and prayed to make will have been very difficult at many moments every day.
Saturday night NZ time marks a new phase in the pilgrimage as we all go our different ways. We move on. We do not lose sight of the fact that God works powerfully with us in the midst of very difficult circumstances - although it can be very difficult (if not almost impossible) to see that at the time. Tomorrow we move on, all of us, wherever we are. We are grateful that God has even managed to use an inconsiderate volcano to form us into a new little community of faith.
This morning's Gospel gave us the roadmap for moving as a new community of 34 into our future together: "Love one another"
Blessings & love
John
For the moment, just a brief update. Yesterday we began with an early morning Mass at the Tomb of Saint Peter. We prayed there for you all, and especially for Bishop Barry and our diocese of Christchurch.
Later in the day, visits to the basilicas of St Mary Major and St John Lateran (the pope's cathedral).
This morning at 7 we celebrated Mass in St Peter's basilica - at an altar very close to the main altar. During that Mass the names of all of you pilgrims who did not make it this far were read aloud in prayer during the Prayers of Intercession. A few pilgrims from Texas joined us for this Mass.
Today is a free day and our final meal of the pilgrimage will be dinner tonight.
I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it has been for you all as the pilgrimage continues in two places (NZ and Rome). Knowing that there are some pilgrims still making the pilgrimage that you had hoped and prayed to make will have been very difficult at many moments every day.
Saturday night NZ time marks a new phase in the pilgrimage as we all go our different ways. We move on. We do not lose sight of the fact that God works powerfully with us in the midst of very difficult circumstances - although it can be very difficult (if not almost impossible) to see that at the time. Tomorrow we move on, all of us, wherever we are. We are grateful that God has even managed to use an inconsiderate volcano to form us into a new little community of faith.
This morning's Gospel gave us the roadmap for moving as a new community of 34 into our future together: "Love one another"
Blessings & love
John
Thursday, May 6, 2010
and so to Rome
This will be a brief note as I have six minutes online in the hotel lobby!
We made it - there are now ten of us.
The reunion was sweet-bitter as our thoughts were so much with the full group. It was wonderful to hear from the six arrivals of your gathering last night. It is true, you have been on pilgrimage in such an unexpected (and undesired) way, but God has not missed the opportunity to work powerfully in you all.
Yesterday the pope heard of Our Lady of VIctories parish, Christchurch. The English speaking priest who presented us to the pope (along with thousands of others) read out our name. I didn't catch the pope's reaction, but if he knew our full story he would have invited us to lunch I'm sure.
Yesterday afternoon we celebrated Mass at the catacombs - the church of St Sebastian, chapel of St Fabian where the last pilgrimage also celebrated Mass. Sebastian. We have been through a taste of death in these weeks together. How could we live without the confidence in the resurrection. It was this that gave the lives of Sebastian and Fabian meaning.
This morning we have Mass at the tomb of St Peter. As always you all, and the many intentions we carry on behalf of so many, will be the intention of this Mass.
We will also pray for Bishop Barry and our Christchurch diocese. Yesterday in St Peter's square for the audience with Pope Benedict, was a wonderful experience of the beauty, vibrancy and diversity of Catholic faith.
Time up - more later
John
We made it - there are now ten of us.
The reunion was sweet-bitter as our thoughts were so much with the full group. It was wonderful to hear from the six arrivals of your gathering last night. It is true, you have been on pilgrimage in such an unexpected (and undesired) way, but God has not missed the opportunity to work powerfully in you all.
Yesterday the pope heard of Our Lady of VIctories parish, Christchurch. The English speaking priest who presented us to the pope (along with thousands of others) read out our name. I didn't catch the pope's reaction, but if he knew our full story he would have invited us to lunch I'm sure.
Yesterday afternoon we celebrated Mass at the catacombs - the church of St Sebastian, chapel of St Fabian where the last pilgrimage also celebrated Mass. Sebastian. We have been through a taste of death in these weeks together. How could we live without the confidence in the resurrection. It was this that gave the lives of Sebastian and Fabian meaning.
This morning we have Mass at the tomb of St Peter. As always you all, and the many intentions we carry on behalf of so many, will be the intention of this Mass.
We will also pray for Bishop Barry and our Christchurch diocese. Yesterday in St Peter's square for the audience with Pope Benedict, was a wonderful experience of the beauty, vibrancy and diversity of Catholic faith.
Time up - more later
John
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Pope Benedict XVI & the shroud of Turin
A couple of days ago Pope Benedict visited the Shroud of Turin. He did so not as a camera-wielding tourist but as a faithful pilgrim. You can tell because of the beautiful reflection he offered there.
As we leave this Holy Land in a couple of hours I thought it helpful to give the last word of this stage of our own OLV pilgrimage to the pope. He mentions places we have seen: Calvary, and the nearby tomb given by Joseph of Aramathea.
As the pope notes, the eyes of faith make all the difference: a cynic visiting the shroud or this Holy Land would focus on denying the connection with a historical reality or event. The pilgrim comes with open mind and heart, expecting Jesus to speak through something that may even be a replica (of the shroud as the pope notes).
I invite you to reflectively consider this beautiful meditation from Pope Benedict. Read it slowly, and know that he is speaking to your (my) own reality - especially offering words of hope to every experience of suffering in your own life.
Pope Benedict & the Shroud of Turin
As we leave this Holy Land in a couple of hours I thought it helpful to give the last word of this stage of our own OLV pilgrimage to the pope. He mentions places we have seen: Calvary, and the nearby tomb given by Joseph of Aramathea.
As the pope notes, the eyes of faith make all the difference: a cynic visiting the shroud or this Holy Land would focus on denying the connection with a historical reality or event. The pilgrim comes with open mind and heart, expecting Jesus to speak through something that may even be a replica (of the shroud as the pope notes).
I invite you to reflectively consider this beautiful meditation from Pope Benedict. Read it slowly, and know that he is speaking to your (my) own reality - especially offering words of hope to every experience of suffering in your own life.
Pope Benedict & the Shroud of Turin
to Tel Aviv
Yesterday we travelled from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (an hours journey), with stops at Emmaus for Mass and in Jaffa (neighbouring Tel Aviv).
It is with mixed feelings that I reach this point. In a couple of hours we will be on a flight to Rome arriving there later tonight. It will be very good to see six more of our pilgrims.
These two weeks have been remarkable in every way. Emotionally every one of the pilgrims here and there in Christchurch have experienced extremes of emotion. Our hearts have been stirred and juggled and prodded. Then, yesterday at Mass in Emmaus, the Gospel spoke the words of the disciples: did not our hearts burn within us ... as he spoke with us on the road...
A pilgrim does not travel as a tourist. A tourist is often content with seeing sights. A pilgrim is seeking to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus by placing themselves in places and environments where ancestors in faith have heard and responded to His voice.
In these two weeks, here in Israel, and back in NZ, we have journeyed together. We have experienced extremes in emotion. Our hearts have been alive, first with the excitement of the journey together, then the devistation of the return home. But in every moment we have been pilgrims - seeking Jesus. And Jesus has not missed the opportunity to work powerfully in and with us.
The most visible sign of this divine action has been the formation of a community of faith in the most unlikely place - an airport departure gate!
Throughout these two weeks of pilgrimage my thoughts and prayers have been with you who did not make it this far. I have missed you, especially on Saturday night when you gathered in faith and in friendship.
I will keep this blog going as we journey from here to Rome for the next three days. I know you will be delighted that at least six more of the group will share the Rome days.
For the rest, Next year in Jerusalem?!
With blessings & love
John
It is with mixed feelings that I reach this point. In a couple of hours we will be on a flight to Rome arriving there later tonight. It will be very good to see six more of our pilgrims.
These two weeks have been remarkable in every way. Emotionally every one of the pilgrims here and there in Christchurch have experienced extremes of emotion. Our hearts have been stirred and juggled and prodded. Then, yesterday at Mass in Emmaus, the Gospel spoke the words of the disciples: did not our hearts burn within us ... as he spoke with us on the road...
A pilgrim does not travel as a tourist. A tourist is often content with seeing sights. A pilgrim is seeking to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus by placing themselves in places and environments where ancestors in faith have heard and responded to His voice.
In these two weeks, here in Israel, and back in NZ, we have journeyed together. We have experienced extremes in emotion. Our hearts have been alive, first with the excitement of the journey together, then the devistation of the return home. But in every moment we have been pilgrims - seeking Jesus. And Jesus has not missed the opportunity to work powerfully in and with us.
The most visible sign of this divine action has been the formation of a community of faith in the most unlikely place - an airport departure gate!
Throughout these two weeks of pilgrimage my thoughts and prayers have been with you who did not make it this far. I have missed you, especially on Saturday night when you gathered in faith and in friendship.
I will keep this blog going as we journey from here to Rome for the next three days. I know you will be delighted that at least six more of the group will share the Rome days.
For the rest, Next year in Jerusalem?!
With blessings & love
John
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Road to Emmaus
Today we leave Jerusalem. Each morning here I have walked about 100m from the hotel to a small cafe with a green outdoor area and WiFi. It is here that I have been able to update the blog. It is a great spot to watch early morning Jerusalem.
In an hour Jacob meets us to take us to Emmaus. For many years I had the romantic idea that when I managed to visit the Holy Land I would walk the road to Emmaus. The scripture tells us that it is only seven mile from Jerusalem. The problem is that no one knows exactly where Emmaus is. This is complicated by the knowledge that our 21st century measurement of seven miles is not the same as the ancient measurement. Anyway today we will drive to a place commonly believed to be THE Emmaus and there we will celebrate Mass.
The fact that we do not know the way to Emmaus is not a problem for us, because, wherever we are, God knows the way to us. At this place we will celebrate the Mass: they recognised at the breaking of the bread that he had been with them all along. But their eyes were closed by all that had been happening.
As we near the end of this part of our pilgrimage our prayers are again with the whole group. What we have been through has been traumatic. Such struggle can often close our eyes, but He is always with us.
In an hour Jacob meets us to take us to Emmaus. For many years I had the romantic idea that when I managed to visit the Holy Land I would walk the road to Emmaus. The scripture tells us that it is only seven mile from Jerusalem. The problem is that no one knows exactly where Emmaus is. This is complicated by the knowledge that our 21st century measurement of seven miles is not the same as the ancient measurement. Anyway today we will drive to a place commonly believed to be THE Emmaus and there we will celebrate Mass.
The fact that we do not know the way to Emmaus is not a problem for us, because, wherever we are, God knows the way to us. At this place we will celebrate the Mass: they recognised at the breaking of the bread that he had been with them all along. But their eyes were closed by all that had been happening.
As we near the end of this part of our pilgrimage our prayers are again with the whole group. What we have been through has been traumatic. Such struggle can often close our eyes, but He is always with us.
Masada
Some of you may have seen the movie Masada. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081900/. Yesterday we visited this site - the second most popular tourist site in the country (after Jerusalem). The journey south from Jerusalem is not long. I think I mentioned in an earlier blog that Jerusalem (half way up the country), is the dividing line between the fertile north (Judea, Galilee etc), and the desert of the south. If you look at a roadmap of Israel you can see the difference. http://www.multimap.com/world/IL. There are few roads or towns south of Jerusalem.
Within minutes of leaving Jerusalem travelling south we were in desert. Along the side of the modern highway live the Bedouin people. Their life is nomadic, a few weeks or months here or there with a few animals.
After about twenty minutes we passed the now familiar town of Jericho (remember Zacchaeus) on the Left, and the Dead Sea comes into view on the right. We travelled down the west of the sea for 45 minutes (desert mountains on the right and the Dead Sea on the left).
The fortress of Masada was built by Herod in the decades before Christ. This Herod was the one who ruled at the time of Jesus' birth and had all male babies put to death to prevent the emergence of the new prophesied king. he was known as Herod the 'great'. Our tour guide Jacob keeps reminding us that this title was not because he was a great person (he was far from that - pretty mad and paranoic), but he was a great builder, and this fortress (as with the earlier ones we have seen particularly at Caesarea) is testimony to his building passion.
You can read the details of the newly excavated site online
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Archaeology/Masada1.html
After our visit, over lunch, the four of us discussed the visits over the past two weeks that would be a 'not-to-be-missed' part of any visit to this land. Along with Jerusalem and Galilee, Masada was a must.
After the death of Herod (approx 4AD), his kingdom was divided between his three sons and Masada was abandoned until sixty years later when the Jews revolted against Roman rule. A group of Jews (around 1000) who were suspected of inciting the riots, fled to Masada and made use of the fortress. This event is what has made Masada well known today and is the subject of the movie. I won't tell you how it ends in case you want to watch the movie.
Five hundred years later a group of Christian monks seeking solitude moved into the abandoned town and created a monastery. In a prominent position they built a chapel. Because this chapel was built after the earlier battles it is relatively intact. Another sign of Christian hope in a place of struggle.
Much of the mosaic floor of the chapel also remains:
Within minutes of leaving Jerusalem travelling south we were in desert. Along the side of the modern highway live the Bedouin people. Their life is nomadic, a few weeks or months here or there with a few animals.
After about twenty minutes we passed the now familiar town of Jericho (remember Zacchaeus) on the Left, and the Dead Sea comes into view on the right. We travelled down the west of the sea for 45 minutes (desert mountains on the right and the Dead Sea on the left).
The fortress of Masada was built by Herod in the decades before Christ. This Herod was the one who ruled at the time of Jesus' birth and had all male babies put to death to prevent the emergence of the new prophesied king. he was known as Herod the 'great'. Our tour guide Jacob keeps reminding us that this title was not because he was a great person (he was far from that - pretty mad and paranoic), but he was a great builder, and this fortress (as with the earlier ones we have seen particularly at Caesarea) is testimony to his building passion.
You can read the details of the newly excavated site online
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Archaeology/Masada1.html
After our visit, over lunch, the four of us discussed the visits over the past two weeks that would be a 'not-to-be-missed' part of any visit to this land. Along with Jerusalem and Galilee, Masada was a must.
After the death of Herod (approx 4AD), his kingdom was divided between his three sons and Masada was abandoned until sixty years later when the Jews revolted against Roman rule. A group of Jews (around 1000) who were suspected of inciting the riots, fled to Masada and made use of the fortress. This event is what has made Masada well known today and is the subject of the movie. I won't tell you how it ends in case you want to watch the movie.
Five hundred years later a group of Christian monks seeking solitude moved into the abandoned town and created a monastery. In a prominent position they built a chapel. Because this chapel was built after the earlier battles it is relatively intact. Another sign of Christian hope in a place of struggle.
Much of the mosaic floor of the chapel also remains:
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Gathering ...
Thank you Marie for your post with the photos of Saturday night. It is early morning here in Jerusalem and I have found a little cafe around the corner from our hotel with free WiFi.
Make a comment
Making a comment on this blog is easy. We would love to hear from you, even a word or two, perhaps about the gathering on Saturday night
You are a community formed by God!
It was so good to see the photos. You are a community formed by an act of God. I don't mean primarily the volcano (I don't think God caused this. One day we will find out that the real cause was US foreign policy trying to influence the UK elections ... )
My deepest conviction (and I do not say this casually), is that whatever happens, God is at work. While God does not always cause the circumstances we find ourselves in (often my situation is the result of my own poor decisions or the bad intent of others), whatever the circumstances of the moment, this is where God is at work.
Even from this physical distance I can seek that God has been at work in you all in these remarkable circumstances. Many of you have emailed me of your gratitude to Mike for his leadership in this difficult situation. I know that Jack has provided sound priestly pastoral leadership. I know too that each of you in different (and often unseen ways) have cared for one another in the testing environment of a departure gate.
God never misses an opportunity to work miracles – even in an airport.
Next Year?
It is good to hear from you Marie that many are interested in continuing this pilgrimage in the Holy Land next year. Remember my earlier posting: ‘never say never’. This is a remarkable country. I am delighted that so many of you are seriously considering making this part of the journey next year.
This journey is giving me the opportunity to fine tune a pilgrimage. THere are some things that we need to see more of, other things, less. Some hotel's are ideal, others not so good. So, with this practice run a pilgrimage next year will be worth the wait!
Watch this space.
With love
John
Make a comment
Making a comment on this blog is easy. We would love to hear from you, even a word or two, perhaps about the gathering on Saturday night
You are a community formed by God!
It was so good to see the photos. You are a community formed by an act of God. I don't mean primarily the volcano (I don't think God caused this. One day we will find out that the real cause was US foreign policy trying to influence the UK elections ... )
My deepest conviction (and I do not say this casually), is that whatever happens, God is at work. While God does not always cause the circumstances we find ourselves in (often my situation is the result of my own poor decisions or the bad intent of others), whatever the circumstances of the moment, this is where God is at work.
Even from this physical distance I can seek that God has been at work in you all in these remarkable circumstances. Many of you have emailed me of your gratitude to Mike for his leadership in this difficult situation. I know that Jack has provided sound priestly pastoral leadership. I know too that each of you in different (and often unseen ways) have cared for one another in the testing environment of a departure gate.
God never misses an opportunity to work miracles – even in an airport.
Next Year?
It is good to hear from you Marie that many are interested in continuing this pilgrimage in the Holy Land next year. Remember my earlier posting: ‘never say never’. This is a remarkable country. I am delighted that so many of you are seriously considering making this part of the journey next year.
This journey is giving me the opportunity to fine tune a pilgrimage. THere are some things that we need to see more of, other things, less. Some hotel's are ideal, others not so good. So, with this practice run a pilgrimage next year will be worth the wait!
Watch this space.
With love
John
Holy Sepulchre
Yesterday morning (local time here) as you gathered Sat night at Sue's, I went down to the Old CIty. We had a free day giving time to return to sites that have been personally significant for us on our visit last week.
I made my way into the Christian quarter of the Old CIty to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I got a bit lost in the maze of streets ... but 'lost' is what happens only when I don't want to be where I am, and I was happy to wander these streets.
The entrance to this Church of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection is well hidden. You have to know where you are going. I'm sure there is an easier way to get there, but each time for me it has been through a labyrinth of streets and chapels. Then, there was the door. It was difficult to move for people crowded into every space. There is no effort to keep silence.
To the right of the door are the steps leading up to the 'place of the crucifixion'
To the left and around a corner is the tomb of Jesus. The queue to enter this small space was at least an hour long.
I asked one of the Franciscan priests (surprisingly the same one I had met for confession last week) where I could find a place to pray and Mass. He led me to the Catholic chapel, only a dozen metres from the tomb of the resurrection of Jesus. Mass (in Spanish) had just begun.
I joined the enthusiastic group of about fifty with the single intention of offering this Mass for you pilgrims who were (at that time) gathering at Sue’s home.
Durning the homily (my spanish is non-existent) I reflected with the images in the little chapel. Along the left side was a single sculpture of the Stations of the Cross
Signs of hope
The last of these Stations is the resurrection of Jesus. A simple, stark and powerful image:
At the door of the chapel is the image of Jesus meeting Mary Magdalen after the Resurrection:
After Mass, as I was about to leave the church I turned back for a last look at the noisy crowds. The light from the windows in the top of the dome shone directly onto the tomb. Often it is the smallest signs that are the most powerful ...
Blessings
John
PS: a couple just wandered into the cafe and asked if I spoke English. They were Canadian and when they found out I was from NZ he was very interested. He will be in NZ next year for the world cup and is a Crusaders supporter!
I made my way into the Christian quarter of the Old CIty to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I got a bit lost in the maze of streets ... but 'lost' is what happens only when I don't want to be where I am, and I was happy to wander these streets.
The entrance to this Church of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection is well hidden. You have to know where you are going. I'm sure there is an easier way to get there, but each time for me it has been through a labyrinth of streets and chapels. Then, there was the door. It was difficult to move for people crowded into every space. There is no effort to keep silence.
To the right of the door are the steps leading up to the 'place of the crucifixion'
To the left and around a corner is the tomb of Jesus. The queue to enter this small space was at least an hour long.
I asked one of the Franciscan priests (surprisingly the same one I had met for confession last week) where I could find a place to pray and Mass. He led me to the Catholic chapel, only a dozen metres from the tomb of the resurrection of Jesus. Mass (in Spanish) had just begun.
I joined the enthusiastic group of about fifty with the single intention of offering this Mass for you pilgrims who were (at that time) gathering at Sue’s home.
Durning the homily (my spanish is non-existent) I reflected with the images in the little chapel. Along the left side was a single sculpture of the Stations of the Cross
Signs of hope
The last of these Stations is the resurrection of Jesus. A simple, stark and powerful image:
At the door of the chapel is the image of Jesus meeting Mary Magdalen after the Resurrection:
After Mass, as I was about to leave the church I turned back for a last look at the noisy crowds. The light from the windows in the top of the dome shone directly onto the tomb. Often it is the smallest signs that are the most powerful ...
Blessings
John
PS: a couple just wandered into the cafe and asked if I spoke English. They were Canadian and when they found out I was from NZ he was very interested. He will be in NZ next year for the world cup and is a Crusaders supporter!
Two weeks on ... those who came home
Last night, Saturday 1 May, all but six of those who recluctantly had to return home, gathered at the home of Sue George.
It was a great reunion where, apart from sharing a yummy pot luck dinner, we also shared our thoughts and feelings on what has been, and what the future holds in our resolve and desire to complete our Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 2011 it shall be with the time of year yet to be determined.
We were delighted to learn that six of our fellow pilgrims are leaving today to join the others in Rome. God speed to Mike, Suzanne, Jean, Carla, Leo and Marie as you journey back again. May your air travel be safe and without incident!!
It was great to see everyone looking well and refreshed last night - a far cry from our sad, exhausted state of appearance when we arrived back in Christchurch almost two weeks ago.
May the Pilgrimage continue...
Marie
It was a great reunion where, apart from sharing a yummy pot luck dinner, we also shared our thoughts and feelings on what has been, and what the future holds in our resolve and desire to complete our Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 2011 it shall be with the time of year yet to be determined.
We were delighted to learn that six of our fellow pilgrims are leaving today to join the others in Rome. God speed to Mike, Suzanne, Jean, Carla, Leo and Marie as you journey back again. May your air travel be safe and without incident!!
It was great to see everyone looking well and refreshed last night - a far cry from our sad, exhausted state of appearance when we arrived back in Christchurch almost two weeks ago.
May the Pilgrimage continue...
Marie
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Greetings to the Gathering Pilgrims (Saturday night in ChCh)
Warm Greetings to you all as you gather tonight for the first time since returning home.
Here these days I have had a deep awareness that the real pilgrimage of these days is happening back in New Zealand. Most of you will gather tonight. You will have many stories to share. Most of all, you have great company as you gather.
The days here have been full and rewarding. There are many times when I miss the OLV group, and the friends I had prepared with. Tomorrow morning (Israel time) as you gather I will head to the Church of the Holy Sepulcre to spend time in prayer for you all. This Church contains the probably site of the crucifixion of Jesus and the tomb of the resurrection.
What you have all been through does seem like a death: we together had so many hopes for these pilgrimage days together. The days since Singapore have been filled with grief, but also the deep companionship I have heard from many of you. In many ways you have formed Christian community at a much deeper level in the brief days together than we could have in three weeks of "normal" travel together.
WIth my prayer, blessings and love as you gather.
John
Here these days I have had a deep awareness that the real pilgrimage of these days is happening back in New Zealand. Most of you will gather tonight. You will have many stories to share. Most of all, you have great company as you gather.
The days here have been full and rewarding. There are many times when I miss the OLV group, and the friends I had prepared with. Tomorrow morning (Israel time) as you gather I will head to the Church of the Holy Sepulcre to spend time in prayer for you all. This Church contains the probably site of the crucifixion of Jesus and the tomb of the resurrection.
What you have all been through does seem like a death: we together had so many hopes for these pilgrimage days together. The days since Singapore have been filled with grief, but also the deep companionship I have heard from many of you. In many ways you have formed Christian community at a much deeper level in the brief days together than we could have in three weeks of "normal" travel together.
WIth my prayer, blessings and love as you gather.
John
Mount Carmel: contemplation
Prayer is the most natural human activity. Babies pray instinctively since they don't yet have too great a repertoire of techniques to separate them from God.
As we grow, we learn patterns of behaviour, ways of thinking and acting, that are not in harmony with who we have been created to be. We call this sin. We could say that there are only two ways of living in relation to God, and in every moment we are in one or the other: we are either sinning or praying.
In saying this I pick up the message of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel: If I am not wholeheartedly living in desire for God, then I am in sin.
This is good news for us. It means that if we are still and silent, we will become aware of what we really seek.
Some of the time I think that what I really want is chocolate, or a G&T. If I put off (at least for a few moments) giving-in to this desire, and turn to God, I will realise that after one G&T and a couple of chocolates, I will need more, and then some more and again more. So, the fleeting thought that it is chocolate that I need, is not an awareness of what I really, really need. What I really need is God. I need to know that God is with me. I need to know that God loves me, even in the midst of my sin and struggle. I need to know that God is writing straight with the crooked lines of my life.
And more good news, this prayer is much more simple than I could imagine. All I need to do is to be still and silent and God will help me to be aware of all that is present and real in my life. In these moments of silence and stillness each day the people I do not like will come to mind. I will remember the moments of strong emotion, the joy and the anger. All of this 'stuff' will crowd in to my consciousness. This is good news, because this is the entry to prayer.
my place of prayer on top of Mt Carmel (notice my shoe in bottom right corner)
People often think that prayer is a time for moving away from the troubles and struggles of life: a few moments in a peaceful place. Such an understanding of prayer is unhelpful. Prayer is not an escape from life. Rather, prayer is an engagement with the reality that is life and that is God. Whenever we relax into prayer, motivated in some vague way at least by consciousness of our desire for God, God is at work.
A time of pilgrimage helps us to be more aware of this fact. I had dreamed of a peaceful times of focussed prayer in the holy places of these days. Today we visited Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square. There were thousands of pilgrims in line to visit the grotto believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Our guide knew a shortcut and we descended to a pretty chaotic small cave where noise and cameras with pushing and shoving made stillness and silence impossible.
This was a long way from the peace that I had expected in this place. However the reality of the incarnation is that God is everywhere present: most especially in the places of greatest need.
Tonight I have some space. There is stillness and silence. Tomorrow we have a free day as much of Jerusalem closes for the Sabbath.
Blessings
John
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/haifa-stella-maris-carmelite-monastery.htm
Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa
As we grow, we learn patterns of behaviour, ways of thinking and acting, that are not in harmony with who we have been created to be. We call this sin. We could say that there are only two ways of living in relation to God, and in every moment we are in one or the other: we are either sinning or praying.
In saying this I pick up the message of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel: If I am not wholeheartedly living in desire for God, then I am in sin.
This is good news for us. It means that if we are still and silent, we will become aware of what we really seek.
Some of the time I think that what I really want is chocolate, or a G&T. If I put off (at least for a few moments) giving-in to this desire, and turn to God, I will realise that after one G&T and a couple of chocolates, I will need more, and then some more and again more. So, the fleeting thought that it is chocolate that I need, is not an awareness of what I really, really need. What I really need is God. I need to know that God is with me. I need to know that God loves me, even in the midst of my sin and struggle. I need to know that God is writing straight with the crooked lines of my life.
And more good news, this prayer is much more simple than I could imagine. All I need to do is to be still and silent and God will help me to be aware of all that is present and real in my life. In these moments of silence and stillness each day the people I do not like will come to mind. I will remember the moments of strong emotion, the joy and the anger. All of this 'stuff' will crowd in to my consciousness. This is good news, because this is the entry to prayer.
my place of prayer on top of Mt Carmel (notice my shoe in bottom right corner)
People often think that prayer is a time for moving away from the troubles and struggles of life: a few moments in a peaceful place. Such an understanding of prayer is unhelpful. Prayer is not an escape from life. Rather, prayer is an engagement with the reality that is life and that is God. Whenever we relax into prayer, motivated in some vague way at least by consciousness of our desire for God, God is at work.
A time of pilgrimage helps us to be more aware of this fact. I had dreamed of a peaceful times of focussed prayer in the holy places of these days. Today we visited Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square. There were thousands of pilgrims in line to visit the grotto believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Our guide knew a shortcut and we descended to a pretty chaotic small cave where noise and cameras with pushing and shoving made stillness and silence impossible.
This was a long way from the peace that I had expected in this place. However the reality of the incarnation is that God is everywhere present: most especially in the places of greatest need.
Tonight I have some space. There is stillness and silence. Tomorrow we have a free day as much of Jerusalem closes for the Sabbath.
Blessings
John
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/haifa-stella-maris-carmelite-monastery.htm
Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa
Mount Carmel - Elijah
Earlier today we spent time at Mount Carmel. This was a significant place for the prophets of Israel, especially Elijah 900 years before Christ. (you can read more about this in the first and second book of Kings – especially 1Kg 18-19). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel
In the face of the pressures of society Elijah called the leadership and the people of Israel to make a choice between God and Evil. While many people were expressing a belief in God and following the letter of the law of God, mostly they were keeping a foot in both camps. Elijah challenged the people to follow God alone.
The burden of proof of God’s power seemed to fall to Elijah so he agreed to let those who followed the pagan ‘god’ Baal to set a fire with an animal offering ready for sacrifice, but not to light the fire. Then these people prayed (and danced and sang and jumped) in pleading to Baal that he (direct form his ‘heaven’) would send flame to light the fire. So they prayed as hard as they could. Nothing happened. They gave up.
Now it was Elijha’s turn.
Elijah had a fire with animal offering prepared. To add even more drama he got his people to flood the wood and sacrifice with water. Then he gently called on God who sent flame. The power of God was seen by all.
Today we face the same temptation; to think that the things that are important in life, are the one essential thing. It is true that family and friends, work and security are important. But the way to achieve what we desire is to seek God above all else…and all these other things will be provided for us.
It is significant too that Elijah's prayer was effortless compared to the energy expended by the pagans. Elijah seemed to know this already - that prayer is a surging of the heart rather than an attempt to twist the divine arm through any means possible. More on this in the next blog "contemplation".
Our prayer in this place, and a little later when we celebrated Mass at Stella Maris Carmelite monastery at the other end of the summit of Mt Carmel (about 25 minutes away at the city of Haifa), was for the Carmelite sisters of Christchurch. Especially that those women God is calling to share their life will hear this call, and recognise that their life's happiness and purpose is found in responding generously with a whole-hearted "yes" to God.
As with priesthood, it is sometimes difficult for an individual to not only 'hear' such a call to contemplative life, it can be difficult for the individual to believe that they really are being called by God to this life. If you know of someone whom God may be calling to share the life of the Carmelite sisters, do not be afraid to ask them to consider this. God might be wanting to use you to sow this seed.
If you want to know more about the life of the sisters in Christchurch, and around the world, have a look at their website: http://www.karmel.at/christchurch.nz/
In the face of the pressures of society Elijah called the leadership and the people of Israel to make a choice between God and Evil. While many people were expressing a belief in God and following the letter of the law of God, mostly they were keeping a foot in both camps. Elijah challenged the people to follow God alone.
The burden of proof of God’s power seemed to fall to Elijah so he agreed to let those who followed the pagan ‘god’ Baal to set a fire with an animal offering ready for sacrifice, but not to light the fire. Then these people prayed (and danced and sang and jumped) in pleading to Baal that he (direct form his ‘heaven’) would send flame to light the fire. So they prayed as hard as they could. Nothing happened. They gave up.
Now it was Elijha’s turn.
Elijah had a fire with animal offering prepared. To add even more drama he got his people to flood the wood and sacrifice with water. Then he gently called on God who sent flame. The power of God was seen by all.
Today we face the same temptation; to think that the things that are important in life, are the one essential thing. It is true that family and friends, work and security are important. But the way to achieve what we desire is to seek God above all else…and all these other things will be provided for us.
It is significant too that Elijah's prayer was effortless compared to the energy expended by the pagans. Elijah seemed to know this already - that prayer is a surging of the heart rather than an attempt to twist the divine arm through any means possible. More on this in the next blog "contemplation".
Our prayer in this place, and a little later when we celebrated Mass at Stella Maris Carmelite monastery at the other end of the summit of Mt Carmel (about 25 minutes away at the city of Haifa), was for the Carmelite sisters of Christchurch. Especially that those women God is calling to share their life will hear this call, and recognise that their life's happiness and purpose is found in responding generously with a whole-hearted "yes" to God.
As with priesthood, it is sometimes difficult for an individual to not only 'hear' such a call to contemplative life, it can be difficult for the individual to believe that they really are being called by God to this life. If you know of someone whom God may be calling to share the life of the Carmelite sisters, do not be afraid to ask them to consider this. God might be wanting to use you to sow this seed.
If you want to know more about the life of the sisters in Christchurch, and around the world, have a look at their website: http://www.karmel.at/christchurch.nz/
Thursday, April 29, 2010
now pictures too
I have just worked out how to upload pictures onto the blog. Thanks Paul for your help. You might like to browse through earlier blogs where I have added pics.
John
John
Mount Carmel
Tradition tells us that almost one thousand years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Elijah lived on Mount Carmel. Elijah was a contemplative: not one who escaped the reality of life, but one who sought God above all else.
You will be familiar with the account of Elijah expecting the voice of God as he dwelt in the cave. God was not in the powerful, earth-shattering earthquake, wind or fire. Unexpectedly the voice of God was heard in the sound of “sheer silence”. (1 Kings 19:12).
This powerful experience of God in stillness and silence for Elijah led us to see Elijah as the ‘father’ of the contemplative life.
In the early thirteenth century a group of monks formed together on this same site, Mount Carmel. These monks sought God before all else. As their communities spread around the world, they became known as the Carmelites.
I was delighted this morning to receive a ‘comment’ from the Carmelite sisters in Christchurch as we prepare to visit Mount Carmel tomorrow.
Sisters, on our visit to Mount Carmel tomorrow we will pray for you. I invite all pilgrims, especially those who have returned home, to join with us in prayer tomorrow (Thursday) for the Carmelite community of Christchurch. We pray especially in thanksgiving for the fidelity of their witness to God in our diocese of Christchurch. We pray too that God will bless our sisters with vocations of women who will continue this powerful witness to God in our diocese.
John
You will be familiar with the account of Elijah expecting the voice of God as he dwelt in the cave. God was not in the powerful, earth-shattering earthquake, wind or fire. Unexpectedly the voice of God was heard in the sound of “sheer silence”. (1 Kings 19:12).
This powerful experience of God in stillness and silence for Elijah led us to see Elijah as the ‘father’ of the contemplative life.
In the early thirteenth century a group of monks formed together on this same site, Mount Carmel. These monks sought God before all else. As their communities spread around the world, they became known as the Carmelites.
I was delighted this morning to receive a ‘comment’ from the Carmelite sisters in Christchurch as we prepare to visit Mount Carmel tomorrow.
Sisters, on our visit to Mount Carmel tomorrow we will pray for you. I invite all pilgrims, especially those who have returned home, to join with us in prayer tomorrow (Thursday) for the Carmelite community of Christchurch. We pray especially in thanksgiving for the fidelity of their witness to God in our diocese of Christchurch. We pray too that God will bless our sisters with vocations of women who will continue this powerful witness to God in our diocese.
John
the contemporaneous-ness of faith
dawn from the hotel room, across the sea of Galilee
A few days ago, when in Jerusalem, I blogged about my sense that "He is not here." You will recall the words of the angel to Mary at the empty tomb. Remember too the words of the angel at the Ascention: 'why do you stand here looking....'
As we journey around this holy place I have a deep awareness that Jesus is no more here than he is in Nelson Creek, Glenavy or Avonhead. It is very evident that many people who travel to this country do so with a strong awareness of the historical events that took place here. Yes Jesus was born here. He preached here. Jesus suffered and died in this land. It is important for these people with their historical agendas (or blinkers?) to know that Jesus probably sat on this stone, preached on that hill, or slept in that boat. These people are tourists who hopefully, by the grace of God, will (in their journey) become pilgrims.
I do appreciate their need and at times I too allow my curiosity about historical detail to cloud the true reality of the experience of Jesus present today. I thought about this after writing on 'modern architecture' yesterday. Today we visited the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/nazareth-basilica-of-annunciation. This church was opened in the late 1960's. It is modern and beautiful. As with the Capernaum church it is sensitive to its surroundings and is a sign of a life beyond which God is carrying us to.
So many churches we have seen pretend to be older than they are by imitating Roman or Byzantine style. Such architecture reinforces (albeit subconsciously) the sense that the life of faith was important to people a long time ago. The danger always is that we slip into the pattern of looking back with romantic nostalgia to a time when we think things were better. But this is not faith! It is romance. It is nostalgia. Faith an event that is alive in the present. Jesus is not simply the God-Man who walked this land two thousand years ago. Jesus is alive today in Geraldine, Timaru, Riccarton, Rakaia and Israel.
Faith is not a willingness to be guided by a wise teacher who lived a long time ago in Galilee. Faith is a contemporary reality since Jesus is alive today.
Here in Nazareth today I have prayed the First Joyful mystery several times: the Annunciation. At this moment, when the earthly life of Jesus began, everything changed. As a result we do not follow a distant deity, or an ancient prophet. We are invited into personal relationship with the living person of Jesus who is God-with-us.
Blessings & love
John
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Beatitudes, Zippori & Nazareth
Mount of the Beatitudes
There are three chapters of Matthew's Gospel given to a significant portion of Jesus teaching. We know these chapters (5-7) as the "Sermon on the Mount". This teaching of Jesus begins with the beatitudes and continues through forgiveness and authentic practices of faith. You might like to spend time as you continue your pilgrimage from home or wherever by reflecting on these chapters of Matthew.
Our first visit this morning was to the probable site of this teaching of Jesus. The hills above the Sea of Galilee even form a natural ampitheater. It is not difficult to imagine Jesus teaching and the curious crowds gathering to be nourished. http://www.my-holyland.com/site_intro.php?category_id=0&site_id=14
We celebrated Mass together at a small outdoor chapel overlooking the hills and the lake. As always we began the Mass by remembering those we pray for, you the pilgrims who continue to journey with God from home, and the many people whose prayers and intentions we carry. A regular pattern now is that when we finish Mass each day we take half an hour (more if possible) for our own personal prayer. These sacred moments to savour the beauty of God with us in the Mass have become for us a highlight of each day.
Mosaics in Zippori
One of the remarkable things about archeological discoveries in Israel (one of the oldest inhabited parts of the world) is that almost all excavation is relatively recent. The excavations at Zippori began only a few decades ago. The discoveries of a Roman city from the time of Jesus is breathtaking. Zippori is only a few kilometres from Nazareth and here in the period of Roman rule of Palestine (63BC - 313 AD) a city grew. http://www.pbase.com/kitkool/zippori
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish–Roman_War
Many of the mosaics formed from coloured stone told the story of Roman and their encounters with humans. These mosaics formed the floors of some houses. Later, after Christianity became the religion of the empire (c325), the new Christians replaced their now-inappropriate ‘pagan carpets’ with new layers of mosaic flooring. Excavations here in the last thirty years have revealed these layers of civilization and belief.
Nazareth
I’m sure most people would name Bethlehem as the town of the incarnation; the place where God became human in Jesus. Yet we know that the event of the Annunciation almost certainly happened in Nazareth, the town that Mary and Joseph made home. I have moved into the Joyful mysteries today. The first Joyful mystery of the Rosary, the Annunciation recalls the event of God breaking into human existence in a new way. From this moment God became as vulnerable as any human, for nine months in the womb of Mary his mother.
There are three chapters of Matthew's Gospel given to a significant portion of Jesus teaching. We know these chapters (5-7) as the "Sermon on the Mount". This teaching of Jesus begins with the beatitudes and continues through forgiveness and authentic practices of faith. You might like to spend time as you continue your pilgrimage from home or wherever by reflecting on these chapters of Matthew.
Our first visit this morning was to the probable site of this teaching of Jesus. The hills above the Sea of Galilee even form a natural ampitheater. It is not difficult to imagine Jesus teaching and the curious crowds gathering to be nourished. http://www.my-holyland.com/site_intro.php?category_id=0&site_id=14
We celebrated Mass together at a small outdoor chapel overlooking the hills and the lake. As always we began the Mass by remembering those we pray for, you the pilgrims who continue to journey with God from home, and the many people whose prayers and intentions we carry. A regular pattern now is that when we finish Mass each day we take half an hour (more if possible) for our own personal prayer. These sacred moments to savour the beauty of God with us in the Mass have become for us a highlight of each day.
Mosaics in Zippori
One of the remarkable things about archeological discoveries in Israel (one of the oldest inhabited parts of the world) is that almost all excavation is relatively recent. The excavations at Zippori began only a few decades ago. The discoveries of a Roman city from the time of Jesus is breathtaking. Zippori is only a few kilometres from Nazareth and here in the period of Roman rule of Palestine (63BC - 313 AD) a city grew. http://www.pbase.com/kitkool/zippori
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish–Roman_War
Many of the mosaics formed from coloured stone told the story of Roman and their encounters with humans. These mosaics formed the floors of some houses. Later, after Christianity became the religion of the empire (c325), the new Christians replaced their now-inappropriate ‘pagan carpets’ with new layers of mosaic flooring. Excavations here in the last thirty years have revealed these layers of civilization and belief.
Nazareth
I’m sure most people would name Bethlehem as the town of the incarnation; the place where God became human in Jesus. Yet we know that the event of the Annunciation almost certainly happened in Nazareth, the town that Mary and Joseph made home. I have moved into the Joyful mysteries today. The first Joyful mystery of the Rosary, the Annunciation recalls the event of God breaking into human existence in a new way. From this moment God became as vulnerable as any human, for nine months in the womb of Mary his mother.
Modern Church Architecture
Later yesterday afternoon we visited the town of Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This town was the home of Peter (where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law). This town was also and also for some time (perhaps as long as two years) this the home-town of Jesus. Perhaps Jesus stayed with Peter. The home of Peter has been excavated - a home that would at least have been familiar to Jesus.
In 1984 a new Church was constructed over the octagonal Byzantine Church that had been built over the house of Peter. Many of the churches in Israel are relatively recent but built to look much older. They imitate a style which was common in Roman or Byzantine days. The 1984 Church is refreshingly authentic. It is sensitive to its surroundings (hills, lake and ruins underneath visible through glass walls and floor). Whereas tourists tend to chatter when in an old church there is something about this holy place that invites silence.
http://www.3disrael.com/north/the_modern_church.cfm
I couldn’t help but remember gratefully all the people who have (over almost fifty years since the planning began) made it possible for our own parish of Our Lady of Victories to have a modern church that raises the mind and heart to God.
John
In 1984 a new Church was constructed over the octagonal Byzantine Church that had been built over the house of Peter. Many of the churches in Israel are relatively recent but built to look much older. They imitate a style which was common in Roman or Byzantine days. The 1984 Church is refreshingly authentic. It is sensitive to its surroundings (hills, lake and ruins underneath visible through glass walls and floor). Whereas tourists tend to chatter when in an old church there is something about this holy place that invites silence.
http://www.3disrael.com/north/the_modern_church.cfm
I couldn’t help but remember gratefully all the people who have (over almost fifty years since the planning began) made it possible for our own parish of Our Lady of Victories to have a modern church that raises the mind and heart to God.
John
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
St Peter’s Fish
For twenty minutes today we were on the Sea of Galilee. Our first visit this morning was to a boat that had been recovered from the mud of the lake 25 years ago. This boat is known to be from the time of Jesus. http://www.allaboutarchaeology.org/galilee-boat-faq.htm
It is not in great condition so they put us on another boat to make the trip across the lake. Our boat was a bit bigger with room for each to find a place of solitude as we crossed. http://www.bibleplaces.com/seagalilee.htm
As humans our way of experiencing the reality that surrounds us is through our senses. My senses are heighted in these days as I see what Jesus would have seen view and hear sounds that would have been familiar to him. Here we are savouring the tastes that He would have known. When we were on the lake I realized that there is more of the water Jesus actually washed in in Lake Taupo that there is here! (evaporation, precipitation and all that). The Avon has more of the 'water Jesus touched' than the Jordan! But these hills are visibly unchanged and this was the skyline He saw.
The lake journey took us across to the land of the Gadarenes. We know this is where Jesus moved the evil spirits from the people to the pigs since it is the only cliff around the lake where the pigs would fall to their death. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_(demon)
Then to the restaurant where we ate the fish that Jesus would have eaten. Paul I thought of you especially today! I doubt if Jesus called it “St Peter’s Fish” but that’s what we call it today. The restaurant serves the fish, or pasta or pizza. I didn’t see anyone eat anything but the fish but the waiter told us that many Italians choose pasta instead of THE fish. I heard an American at the next table asking to have her fish filleted. Each diner is presented with a whole fish. They say the eyes are a delicacy, but I am much too delicate to think of trying. But the rest of the fish was good. Not a Rakaia salmon or Nelson Creek Whitebait or Bluff Oyster, but good fish. The fish peeled away from the bone easily. Sarah had learned in India that the cheek of the fish was the best part so we all tried this part (A bit close to the eye for my liking, but it was good!) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilapia
The winner in the experience was my personal appreciation of the reality of the incarnation: Yes, God did leave the heavens to take on human form. His human eyes saw these earthly hills. His human body was nourished by this particular fish...
And now, after His death and resurrection, He is closer to us than he was to his disciples in that boat. Then He was limited by human form. He could only be in one place at a time. Today, wherever we are, and whatever the messy, suffering and sinful reality of our human life, He is with us!
It is not in great condition so they put us on another boat to make the trip across the lake. Our boat was a bit bigger with room for each to find a place of solitude as we crossed. http://www.bibleplaces.com/seagalilee.htm
As humans our way of experiencing the reality that surrounds us is through our senses. My senses are heighted in these days as I see what Jesus would have seen view and hear sounds that would have been familiar to him. Here we are savouring the tastes that He would have known. When we were on the lake I realized that there is more of the water Jesus actually washed in in Lake Taupo that there is here! (evaporation, precipitation and all that). The Avon has more of the 'water Jesus touched' than the Jordan! But these hills are visibly unchanged and this was the skyline He saw.
The lake journey took us across to the land of the Gadarenes. We know this is where Jesus moved the evil spirits from the people to the pigs since it is the only cliff around the lake where the pigs would fall to their death. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_(demon)
Then to the restaurant where we ate the fish that Jesus would have eaten. Paul I thought of you especially today! I doubt if Jesus called it “St Peter’s Fish” but that’s what we call it today. The restaurant serves the fish, or pasta or pizza. I didn’t see anyone eat anything but the fish but the waiter told us that many Italians choose pasta instead of THE fish. I heard an American at the next table asking to have her fish filleted. Each diner is presented with a whole fish. They say the eyes are a delicacy, but I am much too delicate to think of trying. But the rest of the fish was good. Not a Rakaia salmon or Nelson Creek Whitebait or Bluff Oyster, but good fish. The fish peeled away from the bone easily. Sarah had learned in India that the cheek of the fish was the best part so we all tried this part (A bit close to the eye for my liking, but it was good!) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilapia
The winner in the experience was my personal appreciation of the reality of the incarnation: Yes, God did leave the heavens to take on human form. His human eyes saw these earthly hills. His human body was nourished by this particular fish...
And now, after His death and resurrection, He is closer to us than he was to his disciples in that boat. Then He was limited by human form. He could only be in one place at a time. Today, wherever we are, and whatever the messy, suffering and sinful reality of our human life, He is with us!
Faith, culture & practical signposts
This is a remarkable country. The city of Jerusalem (where we lived last week), is home to the three great monotheistic faiths. Within old city walls (an area of a few acres), the Jewish, Muslim and Christian people come to be at home, in the heart of the events that formed their faith.
Faith & Culture – in Christ there is no difference
In this ancient city there is no clear demarcation between faith and culture. Faith is not a part of life. Faith IS life. Faith determines what is done and what is not done. Faith determines what, when and where food and drink are taken. Faith decides how and when people work. Faith decides how people dress. Faith provides friendships and social networks. Faith for these people is known to be gift, since faith provides everything that a human person needs. God provides all.
Of course there are complexities and I am not here long enough to experience too much of the ambiguity and paradox. However such ambiguities do not render religious expressions invalid or insincere. Ambiguity is a reality of life and the mature person is one who is able to live with paradox.
This is precisely where religious practice and practices are most needed. Even the small details (for the Jew what is worn, or for the Catholic penance on Friday or fasting before communion) provide a sound touch-stone of stability. Most of all, when I fail or sin, when I lose direction in any way, I return to the signposts that are known (by generations before me) to be reliable. Once again I know the way ahead.
Signposts
I wonder if in recent years many Catholics have (without considering the consequences) discarded many of the little signs that guided us through each week. When the Church requirement to abstain from meat on Fridays was lifted, we were asked to personally adopt some other Friday practice of penance. Sadly very few Catholics are aware of this invitation and therefore each week overlook a practical and necessary signpost. For Catholics the Sunday Eucharist is the central weekly signpost. If we miss this sign, then our compass gives no orientation. Think of the compass at the magnetic pole spinning in every direction. How can I step into the next week with confidence without the confidence of good orientation? I need to know the way ahead.
An example of a tangible sign
I have always carried Rosary beads in my pocket. However many days have gone by when I have not used them. In these Holy Land days I have discovered the gift of the Rosary at a new depth. It is remarkable for me to see again that the mysteries of the Rosary are centered on the power of God and the life of Christ.
The spark of this new flame came for me in a Jerusalem stall where I saw Jewish prayer beads and Rosary Beads for sale together. Prayer beads of some kind are a normal part of many religious traditions. There must be something in the tangible fingering of beads as a companion to meditation.
Perhaps you have not prayed the Rosary for years. . . . an invitation: pick up your beads (or fingers – we have ten of those and that is useful) once again and pray the Rosary. You will find the prayers of the Rosary online – or call Lisa at the parish office and she will send you a Rosary prayer card. You might find this a helpful way of ‘pilgrimaging’ in these days wherever you are.
Notice the ‘new’ LUMINOUS mysteries named by Pope John Paul II. I have been praying these through these Galilee days:
The Baptism of the Lord
The Miracle of Jesus at Cana
The proclamation of the Kingdom of God
The Transfiguration of Jesus
The Last Supper.
These mysteries especially have been very significant for me since in the past three days our little group of four have visited the sites of all these events central to the life of Jesus.
Galilee
This morning we offered Mass for you all, and all those whose prayer intentions we carry in our hearts, on the shore of Galilee. The Mass was at an outdoor chapel within metres of the lake edge. Again, I am apprehensive about sharing the beauty with you who longed to be here, but I also have to say that we were right to plan an OLV parish pilgrimage to this place.
The physical beauty (for me at least) cannot match what we have in NZ at Banks Peninsula or Tekapo. But the knowledge that God in Jesus walked these hills, sailed these waters and knew these towns is a powerful reminder of the tangible reality of the incarnation. The Jews and Muslims are people of the book (Torah & Koran) and of practices. The Christian is a person living in personal intimacy with God in Jesus – God among us: on our roads, in our hills and in every human struggle and trial.
As the Jewish people have proclaimed at the end of every Passover Seder meal for two thousand years: “Next year in Jerusalem!”
Shalom
John
PS a hymn that has been in my heart these days. I have been humming the tune and praying these words as we travel:
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.
In simple trust like theirs who heard
Beside the Syrian sea
The gracious calling of the Lord,
Let us, like them, without a word
Rise up and follow Thee.
O Sabbath rest by Galilee!
O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with Thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted by love!
With that deep hush subduing all
Our words and works that drown
The tender whisper of Thy call,
As noiseless let Thy blessing fall
As fell Thy manna down.
Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!
"The Brewing of Soma" by American Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier
Faith & Culture – in Christ there is no difference
In this ancient city there is no clear demarcation between faith and culture. Faith is not a part of life. Faith IS life. Faith determines what is done and what is not done. Faith determines what, when and where food and drink are taken. Faith decides how and when people work. Faith decides how people dress. Faith provides friendships and social networks. Faith for these people is known to be gift, since faith provides everything that a human person needs. God provides all.
Of course there are complexities and I am not here long enough to experience too much of the ambiguity and paradox. However such ambiguities do not render religious expressions invalid or insincere. Ambiguity is a reality of life and the mature person is one who is able to live with paradox.
This is precisely where religious practice and practices are most needed. Even the small details (for the Jew what is worn, or for the Catholic penance on Friday or fasting before communion) provide a sound touch-stone of stability. Most of all, when I fail or sin, when I lose direction in any way, I return to the signposts that are known (by generations before me) to be reliable. Once again I know the way ahead.
Signposts
I wonder if in recent years many Catholics have (without considering the consequences) discarded many of the little signs that guided us through each week. When the Church requirement to abstain from meat on Fridays was lifted, we were asked to personally adopt some other Friday practice of penance. Sadly very few Catholics are aware of this invitation and therefore each week overlook a practical and necessary signpost. For Catholics the Sunday Eucharist is the central weekly signpost. If we miss this sign, then our compass gives no orientation. Think of the compass at the magnetic pole spinning in every direction. How can I step into the next week with confidence without the confidence of good orientation? I need to know the way ahead.
An example of a tangible sign
I have always carried Rosary beads in my pocket. However many days have gone by when I have not used them. In these Holy Land days I have discovered the gift of the Rosary at a new depth. It is remarkable for me to see again that the mysteries of the Rosary are centered on the power of God and the life of Christ.
The spark of this new flame came for me in a Jerusalem stall where I saw Jewish prayer beads and Rosary Beads for sale together. Prayer beads of some kind are a normal part of many religious traditions. There must be something in the tangible fingering of beads as a companion to meditation.
Perhaps you have not prayed the Rosary for years. . . . an invitation: pick up your beads (or fingers – we have ten of those and that is useful) once again and pray the Rosary. You will find the prayers of the Rosary online – or call Lisa at the parish office and she will send you a Rosary prayer card. You might find this a helpful way of ‘pilgrimaging’ in these days wherever you are.
Notice the ‘new’ LUMINOUS mysteries named by Pope John Paul II. I have been praying these through these Galilee days:
The Baptism of the Lord
The Miracle of Jesus at Cana
The proclamation of the Kingdom of God
The Transfiguration of Jesus
The Last Supper.
These mysteries especially have been very significant for me since in the past three days our little group of four have visited the sites of all these events central to the life of Jesus.
Galilee
This morning we offered Mass for you all, and all those whose prayer intentions we carry in our hearts, on the shore of Galilee. The Mass was at an outdoor chapel within metres of the lake edge. Again, I am apprehensive about sharing the beauty with you who longed to be here, but I also have to say that we were right to plan an OLV parish pilgrimage to this place.
The physical beauty (for me at least) cannot match what we have in NZ at Banks Peninsula or Tekapo. But the knowledge that God in Jesus walked these hills, sailed these waters and knew these towns is a powerful reminder of the tangible reality of the incarnation. The Jews and Muslims are people of the book (Torah & Koran) and of practices. The Christian is a person living in personal intimacy with God in Jesus – God among us: on our roads, in our hills and in every human struggle and trial.
As the Jewish people have proclaimed at the end of every Passover Seder meal for two thousand years: “Next year in Jerusalem!”
Shalom
John
PS a hymn that has been in my heart these days. I have been humming the tune and praying these words as we travel:
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.
In simple trust like theirs who heard
Beside the Syrian sea
The gracious calling of the Lord,
Let us, like them, without a word
Rise up and follow Thee.
O Sabbath rest by Galilee!
O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with Thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted by love!
With that deep hush subduing all
Our words and works that drown
The tender whisper of Thy call,
As noiseless let Thy blessing fall
As fell Thy manna down.
Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!
"The Brewing of Soma" by American Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier
Monday, April 26, 2010
Prayer Intentions
All the prayer intentions entrusted to the group are being carried in the prayers of our little group of four. We begin every Mass with a statement that this "Mass is offered for those whose intentions we carry on on behalf of whom we travel." This of course includes the intentions that any of the pilgrims who did not make it here were carrying. As in all prayer we express the intention either specifically or general terms and God takes over from there.
If you would like us to remember you or your intention in prayer in these days please send me an email or leave a comment on this page.
Blessings & assurances of our prayers
John
If you would like us to remember you or your intention in prayer in these days please send me an email or leave a comment on this page.
Blessings & assurances of our prayers
John
Never say Never!
Mt Tabor (Transfiguration) from the Nazareth cliff that the locals threatened to throw Jesus over.
I am constantly aware that the trip I am making these days is not the pilgrimage I had hoped for. We gather four around an altar for Mass and sit four at table for dinner. The team of four travelers is not the community of 30 we had expected to pilgrimage with. While I feel that disappointment I am constantly aware of the loss that the 26 back in NZ must feel. This is a grief for all of us but especially for you.
I remain apprehensive about doing this blog each day. I know that the pilgrims who read this from home will be confronted with the lost on reading every paragraph of our journey. Initially I thought I might do the first couple of days then fade out. However some of you have commented that you find these daily notes very helpful. So I will continue.
Yesterday and today we visited ancient cities. Jericho (yesterday) is known to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Today we visited Megiddo. This city was deserted before the time of Christ, but in the ten thousand years before then this city had been destroyed and rebuilt twenty-five times. Each time (sometimes within just a few hundred years of rebuilding) a conquering army would claim the city for themselves and build their own life on top of the ruins of the previous civilization. Twenty – five times this pattern was repeated!
This is why the writer of the book of Revelation saw Megeddo as a sign of great future hope. Death and destruction never overcome this place. In the book of Revelation this town is referred to as Armageddon (Rev 16:16), the place of the great future hope when Christ will return to welcome all who are willing to the real and lasting kingdom.
You were all very much in my thoughts in this place of hope. Our hopes of pilgrimage seem dashed, but (the message of Megiddo): never say never! Each time this city was destroyed it looked like the end, but God had other plans. I’m sure that as the last inhabitants secretly limped away from their destroyed town they could never believe that new life would emerge in this place. But then, twenty-five times, the city was rebuilt – and even now that the place lies in ruins, it is a sign for us of eternal hope.
For this reason, in 1964, Pope Paul VI as the first pope to visit the Holy Land came to Megiddo with a message of hope for the political and spiritual situation of the people of this land.
Never say never! We know that new life will emerge for all of us who are experiencing the loss of this pilgrimage.
Mt Tabor - Transfiguration
From a distance this mount is distinctive. It rises alone from the plain, and we know that Jesus took Peter James and John with him. There they had a glimpse of reality that faded anything they had previously called 'real' into insignificance.
I read a book a few years ago that saw the experience of Jesus transfiguration as a central event in our experience of liturgy. ("The Wellspring of Worship", Jean Corbon). Corbon's reflection was a turning point for me in my appreciation and understanding of what we do when we worship. On this mountain today the experience was renewed as I sat in a noisy corner. The central aim of the liturgy is not to express ourselves, but to allow God to reveal Himself. And God never misses an opportunity to reveal Himself.
I had hoped that today's visit to the Mount of Transfiguration would be a peaceful time, but peace was hard to find surrounded by tourists. I realised that I had a romantic plan for the visit. But God prefers reality to my romance and fantasy. Even in the noise, God was present.
Shalom
John
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Jericho, Jordan River & Galilee
Jerusalem is a modern city. It has a bustling daily life and locals and tourists swarm every quarter. Jerusalem is the HOLY city for the three great monotheistic faiths. Abraham (our Christian ‘father in faith’ is also ‘father’ for the Jewish and Islam people. These three groups, along with the Armenians, each have their own ‘quarter’ of the old walled city.
Within the walls of this ‘old’ city business and prayer abounds. There is little visible demarcation between the faith, the work and the culture of each of these groups. This is because it is unhealthy, unhuman even, to make such distinctions.
From our own point of view, to be Catholic is not to mark off a part of our life in a religious way. The healthy Catholic is one who prays as a Catholic, works as a Catholic and recreates as a Catholic. We therefore are not looking for a balance between different parts of our life. Rather we believe that the only way for us to live is by responding with a full ‘yes’ to God, and living every letter of this life in our prayer as in our work and recreation.
Many images from Jerusalem stayed with me as we journeyed from the city yesterday. My general sense is of people of faith (whether Christian, Muslim or Jewish) who were unashamed of their faith and its practices. Many of these practices seem excessive or pedantic to outside eyes, but for the people, these practices, like words, are important since they are the only visible vessels they have to carry the realities that sustain them.
Zacchaeus
Yesterday we journeyed north to Jericho. You know the story of Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus. This is the place. There is only one sycamore tree in the area and it is known to be very old – the locals know it to be at least 2000 years old. I tried to get Glenda and David up the tree for a photo in imitation of Zaccaheus but no luck.
Zacchaeus’ luck began with his own initiative in climbing the tree. He simply wanted to seek Jesus. His aim was not to follow, but, from a safe distance, simply to SEE Jesus. And, then his whole life changed. Jesus noticed him and called him. ‘Zaccaheus, I want to go to YOUR house NOW.’
In that encounter the life of this little man was changed for ever. Zacchaeus, who was used to living on the fringe of the group, was the centre of the story forever. Two thousand years later whenever people heard the name of the town ‘Jericho’, they would think ‘Zacchaeus’! All these years later this shy guy is the greatest money earner for the city and everyone is grateful to him. But he did NOTHING except follow his desire to see Jesus and climb a tree. Jesus did the rest!
How little Jesus needs from us!
I recall Pope John Paul II writing to priests one Holy Thursday saying that a more accurate translation of this story is that Jesus said to Zacchaeus: “I NEED to come to your house today”. Mutual need is what leads two humans to RELATIONSHIP. We can speak of Jesus’ ‘need’ since he seeks to be in personal relationship with each of us. It is Jesus willingness to enter this relationship with me that provides for every need I have.
Jordan River
My first glimpse of the Jordan was surprising. Many people had told me that it was more like a muddy creek than the river flowing “deep and wide” of the hymns. Travelling from the south the first glimpse of the river of Jesus’ baptism is where it has been channelled into a canal below a dam. Further north, where the lake of Galilee flows into the river, is the spot where the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is remembered. It is an attractive part of the river. Despite the crowds it is a peaceful place. The river here is abundant with fish and many who aren’t looking for baptism happily feed the fish.
The Lake of Galilee
Our hotel in the city of Tiberius is on the shore of the lake. A peaceful place. The lake is not large – I think of Tekapo or Pukaki. The hills of the shore are visible all around. Today we will spend time around the lake.
John
Within the walls of this ‘old’ city business and prayer abounds. There is little visible demarcation between the faith, the work and the culture of each of these groups. This is because it is unhealthy, unhuman even, to make such distinctions.
From our own point of view, to be Catholic is not to mark off a part of our life in a religious way. The healthy Catholic is one who prays as a Catholic, works as a Catholic and recreates as a Catholic. We therefore are not looking for a balance between different parts of our life. Rather we believe that the only way for us to live is by responding with a full ‘yes’ to God, and living every letter of this life in our prayer as in our work and recreation.
Many images from Jerusalem stayed with me as we journeyed from the city yesterday. My general sense is of people of faith (whether Christian, Muslim or Jewish) who were unashamed of their faith and its practices. Many of these practices seem excessive or pedantic to outside eyes, but for the people, these practices, like words, are important since they are the only visible vessels they have to carry the realities that sustain them.
Zacchaeus
Yesterday we journeyed north to Jericho. You know the story of Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus. This is the place. There is only one sycamore tree in the area and it is known to be very old – the locals know it to be at least 2000 years old. I tried to get Glenda and David up the tree for a photo in imitation of Zaccaheus but no luck.
Zacchaeus’ luck began with his own initiative in climbing the tree. He simply wanted to seek Jesus. His aim was not to follow, but, from a safe distance, simply to SEE Jesus. And, then his whole life changed. Jesus noticed him and called him. ‘Zaccaheus, I want to go to YOUR house NOW.’
In that encounter the life of this little man was changed for ever. Zacchaeus, who was used to living on the fringe of the group, was the centre of the story forever. Two thousand years later whenever people heard the name of the town ‘Jericho’, they would think ‘Zacchaeus’! All these years later this shy guy is the greatest money earner for the city and everyone is grateful to him. But he did NOTHING except follow his desire to see Jesus and climb a tree. Jesus did the rest!
How little Jesus needs from us!
I recall Pope John Paul II writing to priests one Holy Thursday saying that a more accurate translation of this story is that Jesus said to Zacchaeus: “I NEED to come to your house today”. Mutual need is what leads two humans to RELATIONSHIP. We can speak of Jesus’ ‘need’ since he seeks to be in personal relationship with each of us. It is Jesus willingness to enter this relationship with me that provides for every need I have.
Jordan River
My first glimpse of the Jordan was surprising. Many people had told me that it was more like a muddy creek than the river flowing “deep and wide” of the hymns. Travelling from the south the first glimpse of the river of Jesus’ baptism is where it has been channelled into a canal below a dam. Further north, where the lake of Galilee flows into the river, is the spot where the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is remembered. It is an attractive part of the river. Despite the crowds it is a peaceful place. The river here is abundant with fish and many who aren’t looking for baptism happily feed the fish.
The Lake of Galilee
Our hotel in the city of Tiberius is on the shore of the lake. A peaceful place. The lake is not large – I think of Tekapo or Pukaki. The hills of the shore are visible all around. Today we will spend time around the lake.
John
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Heading North
These Jerusalem Days have been significant to say the least.
We began with an enormous sense of loss. In the days since, we have become aware of implications of the loss of the pilgrimage we had hoped and planned for. There are many things that are not possible for a group of four. The tour operators have been in regular contact trying to ensure that our pilgrimage happens as we had planned as much as possible.
In many ways, the unfortunate turn of events has left us as a tourist group rather than a pilgrimage community. This is most noticeable for me at our daily Mass. Yesterday we had no option but to join with a group of Korean tourists for their Mass. Once we knew this had to happen we made the most of it and were uplifted by their singing and their prayer. On Tuesday we had to stop a priest in the street asking if there was a place for Mass. He generously took us to the chapel in his own home.
Yesterday we visited Ein Karim, the 'town in the hill country of Judah' where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, the birthplace of John the Baptist. St John the Baptist is the patron of our Christchurch diocese. In each place we visit there are beautiful churches. But for me it is more the soil, the plants, the air and the sky that is uplifting: to see the hills that these holy people saw every morning and walked in each day. To breath their air and to see the plants that they would have been familiar with.
These small towns around Jerusalem have become suburbs and are filled with roads and cars. A couple of nights ago I visited a friend from NZ at Bethlehem University. This town is Palestinian territory and is surrounded by a wall. Visiting requires passing through a checkpoint. As I waited for Peter inside the wall conversation began easily with several of the residents. It was a privilege to hear and see their plight from 'the other side'. Until this moment my entire knowledge of this complex situation had been from one-sided western media.
Yesterday we visited the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit at the Museum of Israel. In 1947 a young Bedouin boy threw a stone into a hole and heard pottery break. On closer inspection he found pottery jars containing scrolls. The expert translators later realised that these scrolls contained the Old Testament as we have it today, written 2000 years ago.
Later, at the same museum, we saw a 1:50 scale model of the old city of Jerusalem. After wandering and touring the old city for three days, at last I appreciated the perspective from above. The significance of the temple, and the way of the cross leading to Calvary just outside the old city walls.
Today we head north to Jericho and the Sea of Galilee. While we return to Jerusalem for a couple of days next week it will be good to head to the greener north. Everything south of Jerusalem is desert, the north is more fertile.
We are in good spirits and looking forward to a change of scenery today.
John
We began with an enormous sense of loss. In the days since, we have become aware of implications of the loss of the pilgrimage we had hoped and planned for. There are many things that are not possible for a group of four. The tour operators have been in regular contact trying to ensure that our pilgrimage happens as we had planned as much as possible.
In many ways, the unfortunate turn of events has left us as a tourist group rather than a pilgrimage community. This is most noticeable for me at our daily Mass. Yesterday we had no option but to join with a group of Korean tourists for their Mass. Once we knew this had to happen we made the most of it and were uplifted by their singing and their prayer. On Tuesday we had to stop a priest in the street asking if there was a place for Mass. He generously took us to the chapel in his own home.
Yesterday we visited Ein Karim, the 'town in the hill country of Judah' where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, the birthplace of John the Baptist. St John the Baptist is the patron of our Christchurch diocese. In each place we visit there are beautiful churches. But for me it is more the soil, the plants, the air and the sky that is uplifting: to see the hills that these holy people saw every morning and walked in each day. To breath their air and to see the plants that they would have been familiar with.
These small towns around Jerusalem have become suburbs and are filled with roads and cars. A couple of nights ago I visited a friend from NZ at Bethlehem University. This town is Palestinian territory and is surrounded by a wall. Visiting requires passing through a checkpoint. As I waited for Peter inside the wall conversation began easily with several of the residents. It was a privilege to hear and see their plight from 'the other side'. Until this moment my entire knowledge of this complex situation had been from one-sided western media.
Yesterday we visited the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit at the Museum of Israel. In 1947 a young Bedouin boy threw a stone into a hole and heard pottery break. On closer inspection he found pottery jars containing scrolls. The expert translators later realised that these scrolls contained the Old Testament as we have it today, written 2000 years ago.
Later, at the same museum, we saw a 1:50 scale model of the old city of Jerusalem. After wandering and touring the old city for three days, at last I appreciated the perspective from above. The significance of the temple, and the way of the cross leading to Calvary just outside the old city walls.
Today we head north to Jericho and the Sea of Galilee. While we return to Jerusalem for a couple of days next week it will be good to head to the greener north. Everything south of Jerusalem is desert, the north is more fertile.
We are in good spirits and looking forward to a change of scenery today.
John
Friday, April 23, 2010
"wherever you go, there you are!"
I remember some years ago reading a little book by an American writer Jon Kabat-Zinn. I had to pick it up in the bookstore because of the title: "Wherever you go, there you are!". This title was also the first line of the book, and much of the first paragraph has stuck with me. It continued something like: 'whatever you wind up doing, that's what you've wound up doing. Whatever you are thinking now, that's what's on your mind. Whatever has happened to you, it has already happened. The real question is: NOW WHAT?"
This thought came to me when our little Israel part of our pilgrimage team (which now spans the hemispheres) reached the church of the Holy Sepulchre. This church was built over the place of the crucifixion of Jesus, and the tomb of his resurrection. It seemed important for me to connect with the stone of Calvary beneath an altar in the church. For a few moments I knelt and touched this holy place on behalf of (I said aloud), "all members of the OLV pilgrimage who have returned home, and the parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Victories parish, especially those who specifically asked the prayers of our pilgrimage".
Then I moved to the place venerated as the burial place of Jesus (in another part of the church). There were crowds of people waiting to pass through a very small ‘chapel’ believed to be the place where Jesus was laid after being taken down from the cross. As I moved to join the queue I had an overwhelming and new awareness that “he is not here” as the angel said to Mary at the tomb. “Why do you look among the dead for one who is risen?”
And then I thought again of the Jon Kabit-Zinn paragraph. How often we look back to the past (even the recent past with its hopes) in a kind of nostalgic haze. The fact is that God is no longer working in my past – Jesus is alive and active in my present, whatever and wherever that reality is.
I had another pretty powerful awareness in that moment. In the Catholic Church we place ourselves closest to Jesus when we seek his risen presence in the sacraments. The sacraments are highways of grace and strength for grieving and struggling humans. This is the greatest gift of being a Catholic. We don't have to physically travel to meet God, God comes to wherever we are!
So, If what I had just realized again about the sacraments is true .... I turned from the tomb of resurrection and saw the light on at a confessional. I knew that instead of facing a historical reality I needed the present event. I walked towards the light, opened the door, and entered.
The priest looked up and smiled at me. I knelt before him and asked if he spoke English. He shook his head, and said “Italiano…little little English”. The only thing I can do in Italian is order beer and wine, and say thank you. He ushered me towards the confessional next door but I had already seen the other priest leave. I asked if I could make my confession to him anyway. I managed to communicate to him that I was a priest too. He smiled again and nodded.
So I realized that I had to express my sins using only the key words of each sin. As soon as I began I realized two things. My sin sounds much much worse when I articulate each sin in two words rather than two sentences. And, as we both realized, the key words of most sins are recongisable in every language. Sin seems to have a universal vocabulary! The priest (with almost no English) knew exactly what I was confessing.
But, much more significantly, the priest responded by communicating to me more powerfully than I have ever experienced before, that God loved me as a sinner. The real question was not about the details of my past, but about what God was waiting to do in me now. God’s love for me as a sinner gives me a new beginning. In this moment I taste true freedom again. As Kabat-Zinn put it: Now what!
It is now late in the evening and I am still overwhelmed by my experience of the risen Jesus present with me today. Nothing is more powerful than this knowledge. And this gift in the sacraments is available to each of us in Timaru, Geraldine, Christchurch, London, Jerusalem …
Blessings & love
John
PS. I was thinking about what I shared last night about us all being on pilgrimage still wherever the 30 of us find ourselves. An invitation: given that the grace of God is available to us through prayer and the sacraments wherever we are, how about making a decision as you read this to stay on pilgrimage for the duration of our planned pilgrimage. This is as simple as seeing the everyday encounters and events of your life each day as an opportunity to know that God is journeying with you. Re-embrace the sacraments to support you in this.
If you are family or friend of one of the pilgrims, join in with us. You may not have been able to travel on the pilgrimage, so now the pilgrimage has come to you. God never misses an opportunity to give us what we need!
This thought came to me when our little Israel part of our pilgrimage team (which now spans the hemispheres) reached the church of the Holy Sepulchre. This church was built over the place of the crucifixion of Jesus, and the tomb of his resurrection. It seemed important for me to connect with the stone of Calvary beneath an altar in the church. For a few moments I knelt and touched this holy place on behalf of (I said aloud), "all members of the OLV pilgrimage who have returned home, and the parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Victories parish, especially those who specifically asked the prayers of our pilgrimage".
Then I moved to the place venerated as the burial place of Jesus (in another part of the church). There were crowds of people waiting to pass through a very small ‘chapel’ believed to be the place where Jesus was laid after being taken down from the cross. As I moved to join the queue I had an overwhelming and new awareness that “he is not here” as the angel said to Mary at the tomb. “Why do you look among the dead for one who is risen?”
And then I thought again of the Jon Kabit-Zinn paragraph. How often we look back to the past (even the recent past with its hopes) in a kind of nostalgic haze. The fact is that God is no longer working in my past – Jesus is alive and active in my present, whatever and wherever that reality is.
I had another pretty powerful awareness in that moment. In the Catholic Church we place ourselves closest to Jesus when we seek his risen presence in the sacraments. The sacraments are highways of grace and strength for grieving and struggling humans. This is the greatest gift of being a Catholic. We don't have to physically travel to meet God, God comes to wherever we are!
So, If what I had just realized again about the sacraments is true .... I turned from the tomb of resurrection and saw the light on at a confessional. I knew that instead of facing a historical reality I needed the present event. I walked towards the light, opened the door, and entered.
The priest looked up and smiled at me. I knelt before him and asked if he spoke English. He shook his head, and said “Italiano…little little English”. The only thing I can do in Italian is order beer and wine, and say thank you. He ushered me towards the confessional next door but I had already seen the other priest leave. I asked if I could make my confession to him anyway. I managed to communicate to him that I was a priest too. He smiled again and nodded.
So I realized that I had to express my sins using only the key words of each sin. As soon as I began I realized two things. My sin sounds much much worse when I articulate each sin in two words rather than two sentences. And, as we both realized, the key words of most sins are recongisable in every language. Sin seems to have a universal vocabulary! The priest (with almost no English) knew exactly what I was confessing.
But, much more significantly, the priest responded by communicating to me more powerfully than I have ever experienced before, that God loved me as a sinner. The real question was not about the details of my past, but about what God was waiting to do in me now. God’s love for me as a sinner gives me a new beginning. In this moment I taste true freedom again. As Kabat-Zinn put it: Now what!
It is now late in the evening and I am still overwhelmed by my experience of the risen Jesus present with me today. Nothing is more powerful than this knowledge. And this gift in the sacraments is available to each of us in Timaru, Geraldine, Christchurch, London, Jerusalem …
Blessings & love
John
PS. I was thinking about what I shared last night about us all being on pilgrimage still wherever the 30 of us find ourselves. An invitation: given that the grace of God is available to us through prayer and the sacraments wherever we are, how about making a decision as you read this to stay on pilgrimage for the duration of our planned pilgrimage. This is as simple as seeing the everyday encounters and events of your life each day as an opportunity to know that God is journeying with you. Re-embrace the sacraments to support you in this.
If you are family or friend of one of the pilgrims, join in with us. You may not have been able to travel on the pilgrimage, so now the pilgrimage has come to you. God never misses an opportunity to give us what we need!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Road to Jerusalem
Friends, I was pretty apprehensive when Mike asked if I would take over posting to this BLOG. I have no idea what to write given the trauma we have all been through this past week.
What we had hoped for over so many months has not eventuated. My greatest struggle is that we were making this journey as people of faith ... we were doing this with God. Surely God could have kept his mountain in order and not punish us his friends.
As I write this I recall what Teresa of Avila used to say in prayer: "God, if this is how you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few of them."
Yesterday I learnt that if the pilgrimage did not continue then insurance would not cover those pilgrims who were already in Israel. This left us with no choice but to continue. I found this very difficult.
I arrived on Monday (after my own two days of adventures in JFK airport New York). As I boarded a flight I received a txt from Mike to say that almost all the rest of the group had finally got a flight departing four hours later from Singapore. This was the news I had prayed for. I could not believe it when 10 hours later arriving at Tel Aviv I got the message to say that the Singapore group was returning home. I was distraught and those who were around me at immigration were sympathetic. I tried to explain but as I spoke it all seemed unbelievable.
The news here today is of huge backlogs of people that will take weeks to clear into and out of Europe. The hotels and streets here are relatively empty (the locals say) because so many pilgrims are waiting in backlogs from Europe to get here. Hotels are expecting things to pick up only slowly as the tourists trickle in. You certainly made the right decision to return to the security of home when you did.
Arriving at the hotel I was met by Sarah. It was great to sit with her over a meal and to chat about all that had happened. Of course Sarah was dealing with the fact that her Mum Sue not arriving. I was dealing with the loss of my OLV family. We were perfect company for each other.
On arriving in Jerusalem late yesterday I went down to the Western Wall of the temple – known to many as the “wailing” wall. This is the most sacred place for the Jewish people – the only remaining wall of the temple that stood here in the time of Jesus. I found a seat and sat in prayer for a long time. It was dark. There were hundreds of Jews at prayer. Some prayed aloud. Others sat or stood in silence. Some were wearing full black with hats and prayer books. Others were young, teenagers in jeans and t-shirts, wandering up to the wall, kissing it and leaning forehead on arm against the wall. It was inspiring to see the old and the young, the pious and the perhaps once-in-a-month desperate visitor. All with circumstances they had to deal with that day and this week.
My circumstances were is just another environment ripe for the action of God. I remembered emailing you all when you were stuck in Singapore saying, whatever the circumstances, however unwanted, there God is at work. Since God can only work with what is going on for us at that moment. This reality is our place of need. And God never misses an opportunity to work a miracle.
As I sat there, up against the wall last night, I felt that God had let us down. No wonder God has so few friends? But then I remembered those other times during my life when I felt that God was not listening. All the times I wanted something and never got it. Then later, sometimes days later, other times years later I look back and see the bigger picture. However, even with this knowledge at the moment, I find it impossible to see the bigger picture. I have to settle for knowing there is one, and it is in His hands.
One thing is for sure, there is an Our Lady of Victories pilgrimage going on at the moment and there are still 30 people on it. Some of us are in Timaru. Some in Christchurch, Others in Geraldine, London, Frankfurt and Jerusalem. There is only one pilgrimage - just a bit more diverse and spread out than we had planned. For all of us this pilgrimage is happening in the same way that life happens - unexpected and unplanned. There is a great line in theology: "God writes straight with crooked lines." We have certainly experienced that this week! This is the stuff of pilgrimages throughout history: expect the unexpected! Whatever happens, God is present. God is at work.
If I don’t stop now this will be as long as a homily!
United in suffering, in grief – and in prayer.
With love
John
What we had hoped for over so many months has not eventuated. My greatest struggle is that we were making this journey as people of faith ... we were doing this with God. Surely God could have kept his mountain in order and not punish us his friends.
As I write this I recall what Teresa of Avila used to say in prayer: "God, if this is how you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few of them."
Yesterday I learnt that if the pilgrimage did not continue then insurance would not cover those pilgrims who were already in Israel. This left us with no choice but to continue. I found this very difficult.
I arrived on Monday (after my own two days of adventures in JFK airport New York). As I boarded a flight I received a txt from Mike to say that almost all the rest of the group had finally got a flight departing four hours later from Singapore. This was the news I had prayed for. I could not believe it when 10 hours later arriving at Tel Aviv I got the message to say that the Singapore group was returning home. I was distraught and those who were around me at immigration were sympathetic. I tried to explain but as I spoke it all seemed unbelievable.
The news here today is of huge backlogs of people that will take weeks to clear into and out of Europe. The hotels and streets here are relatively empty (the locals say) because so many pilgrims are waiting in backlogs from Europe to get here. Hotels are expecting things to pick up only slowly as the tourists trickle in. You certainly made the right decision to return to the security of home when you did.
Arriving at the hotel I was met by Sarah. It was great to sit with her over a meal and to chat about all that had happened. Of course Sarah was dealing with the fact that her Mum Sue not arriving. I was dealing with the loss of my OLV family. We were perfect company for each other.
On arriving in Jerusalem late yesterday I went down to the Western Wall of the temple – known to many as the “wailing” wall. This is the most sacred place for the Jewish people – the only remaining wall of the temple that stood here in the time of Jesus. I found a seat and sat in prayer for a long time. It was dark. There were hundreds of Jews at prayer. Some prayed aloud. Others sat or stood in silence. Some were wearing full black with hats and prayer books. Others were young, teenagers in jeans and t-shirts, wandering up to the wall, kissing it and leaning forehead on arm against the wall. It was inspiring to see the old and the young, the pious and the perhaps once-in-a-month desperate visitor. All with circumstances they had to deal with that day and this week.
My circumstances were is just another environment ripe for the action of God. I remembered emailing you all when you were stuck in Singapore saying, whatever the circumstances, however unwanted, there God is at work. Since God can only work with what is going on for us at that moment. This reality is our place of need. And God never misses an opportunity to work a miracle.
As I sat there, up against the wall last night, I felt that God had let us down. No wonder God has so few friends? But then I remembered those other times during my life when I felt that God was not listening. All the times I wanted something and never got it. Then later, sometimes days later, other times years later I look back and see the bigger picture. However, even with this knowledge at the moment, I find it impossible to see the bigger picture. I have to settle for knowing there is one, and it is in His hands.
One thing is for sure, there is an Our Lady of Victories pilgrimage going on at the moment and there are still 30 people on it. Some of us are in Timaru. Some in Christchurch, Others in Geraldine, London, Frankfurt and Jerusalem. There is only one pilgrimage - just a bit more diverse and spread out than we had planned. For all of us this pilgrimage is happening in the same way that life happens - unexpected and unplanned. There is a great line in theology: "God writes straight with crooked lines." We have certainly experienced that this week! This is the stuff of pilgrimages throughout history: expect the unexpected! Whatever happens, God is present. God is at work.
If I don’t stop now this will be as long as a homily!
United in suffering, in grief – and in prayer.
With love
John
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pilgrimage Continues!
While the group is small - only 4 at present - the Pilgrimage must continue if insurance commitments are to be fulfilled. Therefore we wish Fr John and his small band our prayers and best wishes as they take our dreams and aspirations with them through the Holy Land. Who knows, if the travel situation improves, some may yet join them. Fr John will take over responsibility for posting new information each day or when he is able. He has promised not to make us too envious! God speed, Fr John, Sarah, David and Glenda.
Signing off
Mike
Signing off
Mike
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Most Pilgrims have now returned home
Dear Everyone,
All but two of the 30 people stranded in Changi Airport decided to reurn to Christchurch on the Monday night and we arrived safely this morning Tuesday 20 April. Our chances of getting back to Christchurch after last night were gradually drying up on us - it was now or possibly a week later. We know that Fr John made it to Tel Aviv and met up with Sarah George. The only couple with an outside chance of getting there is David and Glenda Prosser who decided to make independent arrangements given that they have plans extending 8 weeks in Europe altogether. We wish them well. We understand that Rosemary and Richard Milburn, stranded in London, will not now try for Israel and will make their way home when they can. The Pilgrimage then in over! But we did have a Pilgrimage, short though it was. Keep an eye on this blogspot for a while as I would like people who want to to share their experiences of their individual pilgrimages at Changi Airport and other places.
Warm Greetings
Mike
All but two of the 30 people stranded in Changi Airport decided to reurn to Christchurch on the Monday night and we arrived safely this morning Tuesday 20 April. Our chances of getting back to Christchurch after last night were gradually drying up on us - it was now or possibly a week later. We know that Fr John made it to Tel Aviv and met up with Sarah George. The only couple with an outside chance of getting there is David and Glenda Prosser who decided to make independent arrangements given that they have plans extending 8 weeks in Europe altogether. We wish them well. We understand that Rosemary and Richard Milburn, stranded in London, will not now try for Israel and will make their way home when they can. The Pilgrimage then in over! But we did have a Pilgrimage, short though it was. Keep an eye on this blogspot for a while as I would like people who want to to share their experiences of their individual pilgrimages at Changi Airport and other places.
Warm Greetings
Mike
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