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."