Today was yet another highlight of this pilgrimage. I feel it's just getting better and better. First of all, the weather for the most part of the morning was great; no striking heat with a cool breeze. We started the day on a trip to Mt. Tabor, considered one of the highest points in Galilee. Our bus only took us quarter of the way while we made the rest of the winding road via a shuttle bus. Now these drivers would have to be one of the bravest out there only because the road up could barely fit two cars and involved at least 50 degree turns. I barely had my eyes open and only hoped we would make it to the mountain top alive.
And I'm glad we did make it alive because the Church of the Transfiguration was designed with much thought and detail. The mass inside the church was a personal experience for me as Fr Warren reminded all of us that this pilgrimage is a special one because it is not just visiting sites of holy people like the Pope or even Mary MacKillop, but God himself through the person of Jesus. I was reminded how blessed we all were to be able to see and touch the soil God once walked on as man.
Soon afterwards we visited the village of Cana, which I looked forward to because it was a time for marriage couples the opportunity to renew their vows with a special celebration inside the church. I was very moved as soon as the traditional wedding song started playing and our four pilgrim couples walked down the aisle. There is definitely something about weddings that make the entire congregation roar with joy. It was a beautiful and rewarding experience to know there are people who still value the spirit of marriage.
It is really comforting to know that we do not need to be on the mountain to to be transformed by God, but we are constantly invited to share in the same transformation in the Holy Eucharist, which is the 'high point' of our Christian lives. Thanks be to God.
Location:Mt. Tabor & Cana, Israel
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