AS I write this article early in the morning of Thursday, the 4th of October, on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, I remember the strong and honest words of our guide as he welcomed us last night, after two days of visiting the holy sights of Jordan: “Keep in mind always that you did not come here as tourists, you came here as pilgrims. You did not come here to shop for merchandise, you came here primarily to visit holy places related to the life and ministry of Jesus, our Lord and God.”
His simple welcome message set our hearts and minds into a real understanding of the purpose of our travel and put us into a spirit of prayer and reflection. “We’re pilgrims, not tourists” would be our mantra during the whole trip.
This honest and friendly reminder soothed our tired bodies, anxious minds, and hungry stomachs upon our arrival from Jordan last night. You see, we were not able to have any lunch at all as we went through the excitement of visiting the recently discovered “real site” of Jesus’ baptism by the Jordan River under scorching heat of the sun and with the constant annoyance of insects flying over our faces. The tight and tense security at the border to Israel made us even more anxious and angry, especially after a false alarm that occurred from one of the bags of the travelers.
After going through these trying situations, the lead organizer of our group also reminded us that these were all part of our journey. At times, we may find ourselves annoyed or upset because we did not get our way like taking a better seat on the bus, being the last in line, or missing a schedule in the itinerary. The trip may incline us to become short tempered, impatient, and selfish. Indeed, when this happen, we need to remind ourselves that “We’re pilgrims, not tourists.”
We also need to be aware of being given this rare opportunity and gift to be in Holy Land to see the places of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection; to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and to grow in knowledge and love of Him.
Later today, we will be on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, the site of miracles of Jesus including his walk on the water and the catch of a great number of fish. We’ll be celebrating Mass at the place where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish and fed five thousand people. What an awesome gift and privilege to have! We should not really complain about the little inconveniences we experience but only grow in deep appreciation of the gift we have received.
I wish that every Christian would have the opportunity to visit Holy Land. I wish that my loved ones and friends are with me in this trip. As I lead this pilgrimage, please know that you’re all in my heart and prayers. May our journey together in this life be filled with hope, joy, compassion and peace. Shalom!
* * *
Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].
