From the start to the finish

Its only been the second day of this pilgrimage and I've already seen sites that have amazed me behind words. It's interesting that I was the one that actually got up this morning, without complaining or whining, but actually willing to beat the wake up call. I'm thinking it was my eagerness to start the day before the rush, or more realistically the unfamiliar territory that pushed me out of bed.

The day started off with a 40 minute drive to Mt Nebo; the mountain top where Moses was given a chance by God to see a glimpse of The Promised Land. Driving through the Jordan Valley and seeing a landscape of rocky sandy hills was the first time I knew I was no where near home. The view from Mt Nebo was spectacular but no where near the history that lies within it's soil. As I looked across the horizon, I felt a sense of responsibility, that God does not create these vast plains for no one to redeem it with goodness, otherwise the plants and whatnot that grows on this rich soil will eventually wither away. And quite sadly, it is true, the plains of the Jordan Valley did look desolate and unmaintained. But I'm certain, when Moses stood proudly, or scared on this spot, he probably had big dreams he wanted to fulfill too.

One wonderful teaching I learned whilst on this site was one in Arabic, inscribed on the back of a rock monument that was given from one of the Popes that declares Mt Nebo sacred ground that says in English "God is love, heaven welcomes everyone". When I heard this, I instantly glowed with hope knowing that what I firmly believe in is carved into rock at one of the most sacred places in history.

Another amazing moment was the visit to the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Little did I expect (but probably expected by everyone else) was the lovely renewal of our baptismal promises led by our priests. When Bishop Anthony blessed me with holy water, I tried very hard to hold back the tears. I felt like God was saying to me 'Mary, welcome to my house. I am very glad you are here'. And to top it off, we actually got to step into the river; the same stream that once baptized my Lord - indescribable.

To end this long but truly an eye-opener kind of day, we drove to the shores of The Sea of Galilee to the Mt of Beatitudes where Jesus well, said the Beatitudes to his disciples. The mass we had overlooked the Sea of Galilee in the middle of a serene garden. You couldn't get any better than this. A message from Fr Warren that will forever stick in my mind is his words 'True happiness is knowing God'. Amen.

As I end this day I have learned one great teaching from a wise priest, 'Happiness is the same as blessings' but it all comes down to if you choose to follow the Beatitudes, for they are the keys to happiness.

Thank you God for being the wonder of the world.

Location:Jordan & Tiberius, Israel