Journeying in Hope
In this Year of Jubilee, Pope Francis reminds us that we need to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, lest we be tempted to think ourselves overwhelmed by evil and violence. The signs of the times, he says, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope.
He reminds us that Pilgrimage is a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Pilgrimage he says is a “setting out on a journey”, “ a quest for meaning in life” and “ a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life”.
Notice when you have experienced immense goodness? You might want to remember your own experience of pilgrimage.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To recall again the grace of a time of “setting out”.
Setting: Psalm 122 – Lectio Divina.
Scripture
Psalm 122 NIV
A song of Ascents. of David
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.
Our feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up—
the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord
according to the statute given to Israel
There stand the thrones for judgement,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Poem
Hope Eternal – Jackie Tevlin
You led me to this place, a shingle path
Misty in the morning glow – the fig tree fruitful.
At ease, we walk together, down
To the sea-shore.
“Open your eyes!” you whisper.
And I saw, seeing without pretence
That beauty is infinity
And, God is good
And hope eternal.
So, if you should ever lose me,
you will find me,
Doing cartwheels in the sand.
Today’s Music
Be Thou my Vision, 4Him