Beach Bums For a Day

This very day contained very little responsibilities. In fact, it was actually a day off. We were given a couple of options: stay at the convent we are staying at or head into to Tel-Aviv. Some stayed back, others decided to venture out. I was one of those who decided to venture out.

Our schedule normally consists of breakfast at 7am, then we either depart shortly after or stay for morning prayer and then depart. Today, knowing I was going to go out, I woke up and prayed a holy hour before breakfast. They have 3 chapels where the blessed sacrament is kept; one is in the guest house where we are staying and 2 are in the chapel, in the main part and a private side chapel for a hermit that lives nearby. On a side note: I happened to be in the side chapel praying one time and she came in to pray, just simply in the presence of her praying it inspired me; her prayer seemed as if so simple, yet beautiful, I'm sure her deep dedication to this life has brought her so close in prayer.

During the homily at Mass a profound comment by Fr. Battersby was made, and I paraphrase: "holiness does not consist in greatness, but giving to someone who thirsts one cup of water at a time." This means that in order to be Holy and enter heaven it is not in becoming great that we do so, but in the small matters that life throws at us. Jesus never told us to give our neighbor gallons of water to drink, just to give them something to drink. He didn't say to buy them tons of clothes, but simply to clothe them. We are all called to holiness, but how we achieve that holiness occurs in a different way. God works according to our personalities in order to shape us into becoming Holy men and women. Throughout this pilgrimage God may or mat not have called any of us to be great, but he certainly has called us to be Holy. This holiness is something that not only needs to be carried with me in my future ministry, but in every action that is spoken or done.

After mass we boarded upon the bus and descended towards our destination. We enjoyed a delicious vegetarian pizza, because apparently the only pizza place we could find did not put meat on the pizzas. Nonetheless, it was a delicious tasting pizza. Afterwards, we walked to the beach and had the ability to be able to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. It was a great experience, except when the salt got in your nose! I really have been blessed throughout this pilgrimage with many great moments. Today was no exception. I will carry that Fr. Battersby quote with me throughout my time in Israel and the rest of my life. As Blessed Louis Tezza said, "God's invitation to become saints is for all, not just a few. Sanctity therefore must be accessible to all. In what does it consist? In a lot of activity? No. In doing extraordinary things? No, this could not be for everybody and at all times. Therefore, sanctity consists in doing good, and in doing this good in whatever condition and place God has placed us. Nothing more, nothing outside of this"