Pilgrimage

When I’m faced with huge social issues, I can easily distance myself, saying there’s nothing I can do to help, and that’s certainly the case with the migrant and refugee issue, particularly as it applies to us in this country. It’s such a contentious issue in our politics. Praying and voting are two ways we can exercise our freedom to influence this issue.

You know, in some sense we are all on pilgrimage to our final home, and we are all given a share of the Spirit to animate us and accompany us on our journey.

Jesus calls on us to get rid of everything that holds us back or gets in the way of our discipleship and our growth in freedom. We might ask ourselves, what are the stereotypes I need to get rid of? What fears do I need to let go of? What are the relationships I need to spend more time on? Where in my life am I being invited to leave behind the small, the easy, the comfortable to step out and trust that God will take care of me, as I do God’s will?

God has called each one of us through the outpouring of the Spirit on us at our baptism and has chosen us, with all our hesitations and limitations, to go out and use our gifts to be a witness of God’s love in the world. How do we do that in our daily life, in our prayer, with our families and friends, in our outreach to the wider communities we are part of? We know we can go beyond our comfort zone, because God walks with us, and calls us to walk with each other.

“Open our eyes and hearts so that every encounter with those in need becomes an encounter with Jesus, your Son and our Lord.” (Pope Francis)