LTCC had a great privilege to encourage people to do a
pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 16 of us including myself joined the Special
Pilgrimage Tour.
Altogether there were 53 people journeying for 8 days (from 9th
to 16th Nov 2013) and stayed in various Hotels at Bethlehem and
Tiberius. Rev. Leszek Gamracy led us at
the pilgrimage.
Every day our journey began with prayers which was
encouraging and was a good reflection for each one of us to travel to the
places where Jesus lived and worked. It
helped us to focus more on our own spiritual lives. As we were travelling in
coaches throughout these fantastic 8 days we had a great privilege to attend
the Mass at historic places such as in
the church of St John the Baptist at Ein Karem, Church of Dominus Flevit at Beth-Fage, Shepherd’s field, Mount of
Beatitudes, the traditional site of Cana, and
the Basilica of Transfiguration.
Our time of singing, praying, chatting, eating and reading
Bibles all enabled us to think and reflect
on Jesus who was moving, walking and living to give glory to God in
those places 2013 years ago and his miracle and teachings all became living
again within us. This experience cannot have more words to explain! This can
only be experienced individually. Because every one’s experience is different!
We were able to remind our sacraments such as Baptism and
Marriage and we were led to renew our Baptismal vows at Yardenit (the Baptismal
site of our Lord Jesus) and to renew our wedding vows in the traditional site
of Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle: water was changed into wine.
16 of us as LTCC family members were able to reflect during
our daily evening prayers separately from the larger group with reflections and
readings. Some though not able to attend the prayers everyday, the conversation
with them and the reflection they carried were more inspiring and encouraging
one as well.
Swimming in the Dead Sea was also a remarkable experience (we
were floating and not swimming). This situation made me to think more on the
power of God over His creation!
When I came out of the very moving Mass at the Bascilica of
transfiguration, I was challenged by some of the young people from Catholic
News from Canada to interview some of us including myself to express our
reflection on ‘how this pilgrimage to the Holy Land makes
difference in our lives’ which was encouraging and thought provoking for our
future..
Their question made me to reflect on my 8 days of journey
with the ecumenical pilgrims from Catholic churches and our LTCC congregations
as an Ecumenical Christian Congregation. Very challenging and thought provoking
experiences to me and I do hope many of us could feel the same! Visiting these
places makes the Bible real and our faith livelier. Many times I had the God
given opportunity to have conversation with
other pilgrims and local people where I met them in different sacred
spots and local shops. One time particularly I was perplexed when I saw the
following words written beautifully on the wall in Nazareth during our lunch.
I asked our coach driver the meaning of those words: ‘’Nahunu Noridu Ilhaya behorea’’ , He said,’’ we are hear for living together’’
.
What a wonderful testimony! Christians, and Jews are giving
the message to us that they are there in the Holy land to live together. I took
this challenge; I am here in this world to live together in the midst of
perplexed and peace less people and situations. Giving peace was the unique
reason Jesus came to this world to help us.
Rev. Jessie Anand
29th Nov 2013