Holy Land Day 6 - Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Our pilgrimage group.  In addition to the Holy Family travelers we have been joined by 3 new friends from Texas and NJ

Today we reached what I would consider the summit experience of our pilgrimage.  While we still have 3 days to go, our visit to the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem today is without a doubt, the heart of our pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  It was an emotional, spiritually moving and physically taxing day.  Everything a pilgrimage promises to be.

Olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane

Our day began atop the Mount of Olives, with its outstanding view of the entire Old City.  We recounted that it was from here that Jesus lamented over Jerusalem and prophesied its fall. We then made the steep walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane the sight of Jesus arrest.

Along the Via Dolorosa

We then made our way to the Old City entering through the Lion's Gate. We visited the site of the pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man, and the Church of St. Anne, the traditional site of the Blessed Mother's place of birth.

We then made our way to the beginning of the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross.  We stopped at each station, shared a meditation and sang, "Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Walking the Way of the Cross was tougher then we expected, the crowds were thick and the streets narrow.  The way was also quite steep, it was not hard to imagine our Lord's struggle.

The interior of the Holy Sepulcher Dome

The way of the cross ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site in Christendom, because within it is the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of the Lord. Again the crowds were quite thick and the renovation projects quite extensive.  We took consolation in the truth that, "He has been raised; he is not here."

The Church of the Milk Grotto

After a stop for lunch and some shopping in Bethlehem, we had the opportunity to celebrate mass at the Church of Mary the Mother of God at the Milk Grotto.  The Milk Grotto is a traditional spot that marks the place the Holy Family departed from before their flight into Egypt.

The Grotto and birth site of Jesus

We then walked a very short distance to the very chaotic Basilica of the Nativity and adjoining Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine.  The crowds were even larger and there were weddings going on in both churches.  But through the assistance of a local guide we were able to visit the traditional sites of the stable and birth place of Jesus Christ.

It was an extraordinary day in which we were privileged to share.  We pray that the blessings of this day bear fruit in our lives.

Manger Square, Bethlehem

P.S. - Yesterday's day ended with a camel ride.  Today I got to climb aboard the vehicle Pope Francis used during his trip here in May of 2014.  

Keep praying for us - we are praying for you.

Holy Family in the Holy Land - Day 5

Today we said farewell to the Galilee region and began our journey to Jerusalem.

Our first stop was the baptismal site on the Jordan river. Although not the believe site of the Lord's baptism, generations of the faithful have come to this spot just a short distance from the Sea of Galilee.

Here we renewed our own baptismal promises and then ventured in the waters ourselves.

We then climbed to the top of Mount Tabor to visit the Church of the Transfiguration and celebrate mass in the Elijah chapel.

Mount Tabor also provided some stunning views of the Armageddon valley 

Our next stop was the excavated city of Beit Shean. What has been uncovered is ruins from the Roman and Byzantine era. It was truly amazing to walk amidst the structures and roads of 2000 years ago.

Our last stop of the day was in the city of Jericho. It was quite the busy day as the Russia prime minister was visiting the President of the Palestinian Authority.

We visited some local merchants, saw the traditional Sycamore tree of Zechariah and prayed over looking what was the desert of Jesus' temptation and the traditional site of the mountain Satan tempted him from.

Then after some camel riding we departed Jericho and headed for our first night in Jerusalem.

We continue to remember your intentions keep sending them.

Holy Family in the Holy Land - Day 4

Our day appropriately began in Nazareth the home town of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Our first stop was the celebration of mass at the Church of St. Joseph built on the historical site of the home of the Holy Family

It was then a short walk to the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the most important of the Christian holy sites in Israel.

After visiting the main church we made our way to the lower church which has preserved the staircase of the Blessed Mother's home and the place of her fiat that she spoke to the Angel Gabriel.

We then traveled a short distance to Cana, we we sampled some Wedding wine and then our married couples renewed their vows and received a blessing upon their marriage.

Our days journey took us to panoramic views of Mount Carmel

The long day concluded in the King Herod's ancient town of Caesarea, including the theatre, hippodrome, and seaport.

The sun has set on our time in Galilee. Tomorrow morning we head to the Jordan River, Mount Tabor and on to Jerusalem.

Please send us your prayer intentions and keep us in your prayers.Our day appropriately began in Nazareth the home town of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The Election - a pilgrimage bonus blog post

"Do Good Anyway," the name of this blog comes from a reflection made popular because of St. Teresa of Calcutta's fondness for it. For me the sentiment is important when I find myself discouraged by the world around me. Yesterday- I found myself coming back to it again.

At the end of the day we stopped at the archaeological site of the biblical town of Magdala. In addition to the dig revealing the remnants of a 1st century town stands a brand new church called Duc In Altum whose spirit exalts the presence of women in the Gospel. I found my pilgrimage and the days events coming together as I went downstairs to the church's lower chapel. 

As I reached the bottom of the stairs and before entering what is called the Encounter Chapel, I came across this display of St. Teresa. The image of her was unique, depicting not her charismatic smile but her face covered as she bends in either deep prayer or maybe even under the weight of disparity.

I then turned and walked into the chapel and was struck by the painting of "The Encounter" The Encounter Chapel is first of all an archaeological treasure: the floor is that of the original first century market place of the Magdala port. Secondly, the large painting gives us a snapshot of the encounter of the hemorrhaging woman who tries to touch Jesus for healing (Mark 5: 25-29).

It is an image like none I have ever seen. Focused on the feet of Jesus and those walking with him, one sees the hand of the woman reaching through the feet to "just touch his clothes." so that she might be healed.

I thought to myself, this is who we are as church, being present to those who seek to be healed from the pains and suffering of life.

Too often we make politics our religion and politicians our saviors. When they or the system fails our expectations we lose hope. In Jesus though we do not lose hope but in fact we are saved by our faith. 

The woman represented in this chapel was looking for healing, and found it when she touched the hem of Jesus. What a miraculous and life changing encounter! Today, I stood on the stones of the marketplace where Jesus walked and through these images, had a personal encounter with him. An authentic experience with the historical and spiritual presence of Christ brings consolation and hope, so we can be healed from our sorrow and continue to DO GOOD ANYWAY.

And a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. who [had spent her whole livelihood on doctors and] was unable to be cured by anyone, came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped.

Jesus then asked, "Who touched me?" 
While all were denying it, 
Peter said, "Master, the crowds are pushing and pressing in upon you."

But Jesus said, "Someone has touched me; for I know that power has gone out from me."

When the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling. 
Falling down before him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed immediately.

He said to her, "Daughter, your FAITH has saved you; go in PEACE."

Holy Family Pilgrimage Day 3

Day 3 began with a visit to The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.

The church is modern but stands on the site of 4th and 5th-century churches. Beneath the altar a Christian mosaic is preserved. 

From there we continued on to the church of the Primacy of Peter, along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.  Representing the site of the Resurrection appearance of Jesus to the Apostles.  After the breakfast of fish Jesus affirms Peter's love for him and commands him to "Feed my sheep."

From there we proceeded to the Church of the Beatitudes. We had the opportunity to celebrate mass at one of the outside altars.  The mass was offered for our nation as the results of the presidential election were finalized.

The remains of the ancient village of Capernaum, the hometown of Peter and where Jesus himself lived as he began his public ministry.

We also had the thrilling experience of a boat ride on the sea of Galilee.  It was an opportunity for some spiritual reflection upon the waters as well as a chance to enjoy some Israeli hospitality.

After lunch we traveled to Caesarea Philippi, situated 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee and at the base of Mt. Hermon. It is the location of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River.  The abundant water supply made the area very fertile and attractive for religious worship. Numerous temples were built at this city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.  It was in this city that Jesus famously asked his apostles, "Who do you say that I am."

The long day concluded with a visit to Magdala a unique Holy Land site with a first century city where the Jewish residents gathered in a synagogue where Jesus visited and taught. It is home to the beautiful church Duc In Altum, which provides a place for worship, mass, and prayer. Those involved in the excavation project as well as the church itself describe it as a mission to continue to foster peace and healing between Jews and Christians.

Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 1 & 2

This Monday evening 14 parishioners and I embarked on a 10 day pilgrimage to the Holy Land  Ten days sounds like a long time, but we used 2 days just to get here.

Our 11 hour flight from New York to Tel Aviv was followed by a few hours getting through passport control and then a 2 hour bus ride north to Tiberias.  It was all worth it just to get our first glimpse of the Sea of Galillee. 

We look forward to the adventures ahead as we begin all of our visitations tomorrow.  One significant highlight will be the celebration of mass at the Church of the Beatitudes.  It is my intention to offer mass for our new president (if known) and our nation.  

Please pray for us and know that you will be in our prayers. 

You can reply to this post with any intentions that you wish to have remembered here or tweet (FrGerardinNY@twitter.com) and/or email them to me.

After 15 years...a time to be found

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong...

President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001

The memories of we have of lost loved ones are truly a blessing for us, however, they are never enough. As much as we come to value the blessing of memories, the pride we feel for the heroes of that day and the consolation that has assisted us these fifteen years -- we still long for what we lost. We know that we will never regain what we have lost. The lives as well as physical and mental health remain a loss for us; but what about the many other losses? In these 15 years we have lost security, trust, unity, civility and hope. Fifteen years later, the words of President Bush no longer seem to be true; our nation has been frightened into chaos and retreat. In the days, weeks and months following the terrorist attacks, despite its horrific impact.  I felt a unity like I had never known before. Now, fifteen years later, I feel a division and hostility that I never experienced before. As disturbing as it is to watch television footage of those days and the aftermath, I strangely find a sense of tranquility in the resilience, fortitude and unity they depict.

At Sunday Mass today, the Gospel reading included the parable known as the Prodigal Son.  Jesus offers the parable as means of understanding God the Father's insatiable quest for the lost.  The father of the parable rejoices that his scandalous son has returned as he joyfully proclaims that his son who was "lost" has been "found." The Greek work (in the original text) for the word "lost," apolōlōs, means to utterly destroy. And the Greek word translated as "found," heurethē, is also used to announce the pregnancy of the Blessed Mother; "Mary was found to be with child."  We might say then, that which is utterly destroyed is found alive only through God.

Memories are a blessing not simply because they help us to remember what we had, their blessedness is greatest when we realize what still remains. The resilience, fortitude and unity that I remember has not been lost, because they were signs of the Lord's presence. We remain in the abiding and loving presence of God but we feel lost.  We are like the lost sheep who knows it is lost but does not know how to be found.

On this 15th anniversary I pray for our nation that we may be found and that we may by the grace of God recover the security, trust, unity, civility and hope.  Many of those who have lead our country have caused chaos and a retreat from the communion we once knew.  And unfortunately there are those on the leadership horizon who seem to be setting a course deeper into the darkness.  It is therefore up to people of faith, to let God be God.  We seek to be found so that we can share in the recovery of what was lost. 

College and the Big Kids

This week, like many others her age, my niece and only godchild heads off to college.  It is hard to believe this time has come.  As the saying goes, “they grow up too fast.”  I remember her informing me on her first day of kindergarten that the “big” kids on the bus said “bad words.”  Needless to say I was disturbed by this contamination of her five year-old innocence.  As she begins her college career I have some of the same feelings, although now it seems more appropriate to be concerned with the new outside influences she faces.  Her parents, like most, have raised an exceptional young woman in whom I have a great deal of confidence.  Yet as a protective godfather and a priest, I worry about the  encounter with new “big kids,” in her life.

As a spiritual father to many others who are at this same new beginning in their lives, I thought I would offer an open letter to my niece and all her fellow college students.

Dear College Student:

Congratulations!  With mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety you are about to begin the most important years of your life thus far.  You are in my prayers and I wish that you may be blessed with wisdom, fortitude and happiness.

Like all adults in your life, I have concerns about the  road ahead.  The world you will now encounter may not always support and validate what you have been taught  by your parents, role models and your faith. While it is important for us to be challenged on the path to greater wisdom - it is also important to recognize and respect the wisdom we have already been given.  So I offer you the following counsel .

Respect your freedom - You will now have a new found independence and with it comes responsibility.  You have the freedom to be faithful to your studies or to ignore them in the name of fun.  You have the freedom to experience new things as well as the freedom to make destructive decisions in the process.  You have the freedom to grow and evolve into an adult, but you also have the freedom to remain childish and irresponsible

Respect your body - You have heard that you have been created in the image and likeness of God and that your body is the temple of the Spirit.  These teachings are the truth and not just pithy sayings.  Respecting the body that God has blessed you with is a means of recognizing your own human dignity and a way to show others how you expect to be treated.  Respecting your body means being mindful of what you eat, getting the sleep you need, and being physically fit.  It also means that you must make good decisions with your use of alcohol and drugs (including those prescribed by a doctor.)  Respect for your body includes attentiveness to your sexuality.  Taking advantage of the body of another or allowing another to take advantage of yours for the sake of personal fulfillment is a disrespect of your body and what it is made for.

Respect your faith -  Practicing your faith and growing in it is an important part of your college years.  Now facing the challenges of an adult life you ought not to abandon the practice of faith but perhaps even increase it.  Be faithful to Sunday mass.  Many college campuses meet the needs of a college student by offering mass on Sunday evening.  Spend time with others who not only share your faith tradition but are also facing the same challenges and struggles which you are.  Cultivate a habit of prayer: pray the rosary, read the scriptures and talk to God daily.

Beloved college student, your families, your communities and your church wish you well and will keep you in our prayers.  In the words of Jesus, we hope that you will always strive  to “enter through the narrow gate,” [Lk13:24] and not take the easy way out.  Respect the person God has made you and your parents formed you to be.  GOD BLESS YOU!

The journey -- HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

For whatever reason, as a child, I remember adults often asking each other at social gatherings a question that I thought was strange.  Shortly after arrival, coats now off and initial greetings expressed someone could be heard asking, “How did you get here?

WE DESIRE MERCY - NOT MONGERING

The Catholic Church has begun a universal celebration of an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. This is more than an a marketing theme or a catchy slogan put forth by the church.  The Jubilee is a year which celebrates the remission of sins and the alleviation of suffering that comes from sin. It is a time of reconciliation and of conversion through sacramental penance. It is a year dedicated to solidarity, hope, justice and serving God in the spirit of joy and peace with everyone. Above all, the Jubilee Year is a year of Christ, the giver of life and of grace to humanity. It is called a “Holy Year” because it is celebrated with sacred rites and its mission is the holiness of human life.  A Jubilee year is referred to as "Ordinary," if it falls after a set period of years (generally 50 or 25 years); and extraordinary if it is declared as a celebration of an event of outstanding importance.  Pope Francis has declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year dedicated to the theme of mercy, "as a special time for the Church, a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective." Misericordiae Vultus 3 I very much agree with the Holy Father, we are in a time when mercy is most needed.  The world needs Good News and the act of mercy is authentic preaching of that Good News.

I found it sadly ironic, however, that on the day Pope Francis marked the beginning of this jubilee year by the opening the Holy Doors of St. Peter's Basilica, the most merciless of statements was made by a front running candidate for the presidency of the United States, calling for the barring of all Muslims from entering the United States (immigrants and visitors alike.)  This declaration follows a more recent one, which sought a mandatory registry of all Muslims living in the United States. This candidate calls himself a Christian, but no man or woman of any faith can hold these positions.  

Long before Pope Francis, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote an encyclical on mercy.  One significant point he made was that the human thirst for dominance has left no room for mercy.

The present-day mentality...seems opposed to a God of mercy...The word and the concept of "mercy" seem to cause uneasiness in man, who, thanks to the enormous development of science and technology, never before known in history, has become the master of the earth and has subdued and dominated it. This dominion over the earth, sometimes understood in a one-sided and superficial way, seems to have no room for mercy. Dives in Misericordia 2:3

Saint John Paul goes on to say that this desire for domination, as opposed to mercy, leads to a false sense of justice.

Often programs which start from the idea of justice...in practice suffer from distortions. Although they continue to appeal to the idea of justice...other negative forces have gained the upper hand over justice, such as spite, hatred and even cruelty...The desire to annihilate the enemy, limit his freedom, or even force him into total dependence, becomes the fundamental motive for action; and this contrasts with the essence of justice, which by its nature tends to establish equality and harmony between the parties in conflict. Dives in Misericordia 12:3

Exclusion from society because of one's religious identification can not be accept as a just response to violence and terror.  Such a perspective is not only unjust to the persons to which this is applied, but it also accelerates intolerance, which will ultimately lead to the justification for persecution of any and all faiths.  One only needs to remember the famous poem First They Came by Rev. Martin Niemoller to be awakened to the dangers of a ideological bigotry.  If we can not show mercy, we can not expect that it will be shown to us.

Mercy is relational, not ideological. The deep wounds of our world are the result of merciless acts of those who do not know God.  May this year of mercy bear fruit for those who share our faith and our culture as well as in the lives of those we fear. 

    

WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER THIS ADVENT?

Saint Paul prays for the Christian congregation in the city of Thessalonica with these words. 

"Brothers and sisters: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you." [1 Thes 3:1]

As we hear him pray for an abundance of love among fellow believers it is important for us to understand the context in which his prayer is offered is one of "Advent" spirit. St. Paul prays that there might be an abundant love among them, as an expression of faith in the anticipation of the return of Christ. May you love one another, not simply because it is a nice thing to do, but love because of your faith that Christ has come and will come again because of his love for us. 

The sense of “advent” was very real to even the earliest of the Christian communities. They lived their lives not assuming that the reunion with Christ was far off, but imminent. They also did not anticipate that coming in fear, but with a joyful expectation. For them and for us, that coming of Christ is something we long for; in history and in our own passing from this life. 

How do we prepare for that reunion? Do we anticipate meeting the Lord and offering him all the times we fought against something or will we be able to show him all the times our actions show what we were for? Will we present to him the times and places in which we acted with love, or we only be able to offer him the occasions of our righteous anger?  We he only see our lamentations of suffering or our works of mercy? 

Advent is a season of anticipation which leads us to celebrating the Christ in Jesus of Nazareth. It begins, however, as a time to anticipate the ultimate and final coming of Christ. We are called therefore to spend time, during this season, reflecting on the implications of that reality. The birth of Jesus is the Father’s response to humanity and so we prepare by reflecting on the forgiveness of God, God’s compassion, and God’s love. We look forward by looking back at where we have seen God in our lives and where we long for him in our future. 

I pray that as we begin this advent season that we actively anticipate the birth of Christ by reflecting, praying and loving. What is your prayer this Advent?

GRAZIE e ARRIVEDERCI

I thank all who have been a prayerful support and have shared my sabbatical with me.  Enjoy this farewell video.

PETER REMEMBERS

Relic of the chains which bound St. Peter during his captivity in Rome

The final week of my sabbatical program here in Rome was a retreat given to us by the theologian of the Papal Household, Fr. Wojciech Giertych, O.P.  Fr. Giertych's led us in examining the discipleship of Peter, as seen from the perspective of Mark's gospel. It has long been a tradition in scripture scholarship that the author of Mark's gospel is a companion of Peter, who writes for the Christian community in 1st century Rome.  For the purpose of the retreat, Father asked us to read this gospel as Peter remembering his time with Jesus.  From this lens, we were seeing the gospel's perspective not as one of triumph but also a reflection of Peter's regrets and failure's along the way. Peter is harsh on himself and the other disciples and therefore tells the story of the Good News, from one who was weak, sometimes failed and maybe perhaps wished he could go back and re-do what he had missed.  As Peter approaches death, he remembers what he has done and what he has failed to do.

Fr. Wojciech Giertych, O.P.

We were blessed with many insights during the talks, but the overall theme stuck with me.  As I leave Rome, part of my sadness is that I look back on the 7 weeks and reevaluate what I could have taken better advantage of.  I know that in my life too, I can get stuck on past failures and missed opportunities. Our meditation on Mark's Gospel, as Peter's reflection on his past, brought us to a closer realization and acceptance of the fact that it is not about our accomplishments and satisfaction.  "Thy will be done," we pray.  The Father's will is done, not through me but through Christ who chooses me as he chose Peter, with human weakness clearly evident. I may never feel completely accomplished, but the real measure is what has God accomplished through me. 

I don't think in offering us these insights we were being encouraged to not worry about our shortcomings, but rather to recognize the love of Christ for me, who fails, and because he loves me, he asks me as he asked Peter, "Do you love me?....Feed my sheep."

Celebrating Mass at the nearby church dedicated to St. Onafrio.
The rector of the church is the brother of a Holy Family parishioner

SHEPHERDS WITH THE HEART OF CHRIST

Fr. Gerard Gentleman with Diocese of Rockville Centre Seminarians
Alexander Turpin, Michael Bissex and Leo Song
after celebrating Mass together at St. Peter's Basilica

"I will give you shepherds after my own heart" (Jer. 3:15).

In these words from the prophet Jeremiah, God promises his people that he will never leave them without shepherds to gather them together and guide them:

MALTA - A Pilgrimage Experience

St. Paul's Island, Malta - The sight of the shipwreck of the vessel carrying the imprisoned St. Paul to Rome

In reviewing the outline of my Roman sabbatical program, the pilgrimage to Malta intrigued me on two levels.  First, I questioned how this fit the theme of the sabbatical module on evangelization and second, I wondered, what there really was to do in Malta. My questions were more then answered in these five days.