Hope Floats

May 23rd? Already?! When the Lord works...time flys! Today we celebrated Mass in Bethany at the place where Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead. After Mass, we were able to go down into the tomb of Lazarus. We then made our way back to the bus and there, sitting with a huge grin, was a camel. "$3 camel ride" shouted the Palestinian man. So of course a few of us had to hop on. Let's just say that after Rodney and I took our turns the camel needed a sabbatical.

Another memorable part of our day was floating in the Dead Sea. The sea is filled with minerals and there were a mass number of people applying the mud onto their skin. At the local gift shop this mud is packed into small bags and sold for $25. The Dead Sea is known for this and it was great just sitting in the water and enjoying the weather.

Throughout the pilgrimage we have had several nights where we gather in two separate groups and share theological reflections. There is a topic for each reflection. We've discussed the Eucharist, the Incarnation, Mary, and tonight's topic was celibacy. Each topic has a specific article that we have to read, we gather together for discussion and prayer, and one brother shares a critical incident based on the topic and article. This allows us to move from the everyday small talk to a deeper sense of what the Lord is doing in our lives and throughout the pilgrimage. For me it's been great to see how deeply in love my brothers are with the Lord. When we come together to share I come to know my brothers in a deeper way and begin to see how much the Lord really loves them.

We end the reflection by affirming the brother who shared his incident. Each person goes around thanking him for what he shared and even showing how his own incident reflects their own life and discernment. There's nothing greater than when brothers dwell together in unity. This pilgrimage has taught a lot about my brother seminarians and the greatest thing I will walk away with is knowing that my brothers are holy, they are in love with the Lord and his Church, and they care about their vocation and call to the priesthood. This is comforting and brings great hope to the future of the Church. God is good. Let's pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to holy families, and the religious life!