This blog offers a weekly encore meditation on this Sunday’s liturgical reading that was previously written by the late Fr. Kamal Farah. It refers to the original context behind the scriptures and offers reflections aimed at a better commitment to God‘s Word and putting it into practice.
In good times and in hard times, God‘s Word keeps us in love, hope, and active charity simultaneously. We can have positive energy and positive insight at all times, and in all circumstances.
Since the earliest days, pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been a great spiritual adventure and blessing for peoples of faith. Throughout history, though, there have been times when this journey has become hazardous or even impossible. Wars, plagues, and economic disasters have all taken their turn to disrupt pilgrimages over the centuries.
You may know that when journeys to Jerusalem become impossible for ordinary people, local faith communities create alternative "journeys of the heart" - including spiritual exercises like the labyrinth, the Way of the Cross, meditations at local shrines, and reflections on scripture. It is always possible to create a sacred journey in some way.
Today, our longing for international pilgrimage is hindered. As we continue to pray for the freedom to follow the pilgrim paths, to Jerusalem and other places made holy by faith, we can also forge pathways at home. Our blog posts will offer spiritual insights and open windows to the spirituality of pilgrimage, beyond the literal sense of physical travel. With wellness and safety on all our minds, we share a hope that - when conditions permit - we will regain our sure footing on the road to Jerusalem. Until then, we support "the pilgrims of the heart" in every way we can.
Blessings of Peace - Salaam and Shalom - from the Holy Land.
The "Holy Land in Depth" Coordination Team June, 2020
Questions & Answers for FR. Kamal
Today's Gospel invites us to appreciate the privilege and the dignity we are granted by being a member of the Body of Christ.