Our final Saturday in the Holy Land took us just outside Jerusalem’s Zion gate to the Church of Dormition Abbey. This is the site where Mary “fell asleep” before she was assumed into heaven. I was inspired by the colorful mosaics depicting the life of Mary, and touched by joyful singing of the “Hail Mary” in multiple languages as other pilgrims filtered through this sacred place.
It was in this magnificent chapel that we celebrated Mass, and then began our silent reflections for the day. We took time to pray and be present with Jesus who was ever present with us during the pilgrimage. We thought about the encounter we had with Christ at all the places like Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and the Via Dolorosa. We asked Jesus to reveal to us how well we cooperated with His amazing grace these last nine weeks. Did we truly love our brothers as ourselves? I personally asked myself: How can I grow in my walk with Christ?
Then at dinner, we shared the fruit of our reflections with each other. It was a great opportunity to see how the Spirit moved the hearts of my brother pilgrims, and how truly we appreciate those who are praying for us! God clearly continues to work in and through us even in the final days here. Without a doubt, our day of recollection and this holy site made for a most memorable encounter with Christ.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
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