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Holy Land pilgrimage a blessing in many ways

Holy Land pilgrimage a blessing in many ways

BY THE REV. CANON PHILIP DER

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WHEN I was seated on the plane to Israel, I came to realize that we had finally embarked on our pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It was real! I gave my heartfelt thanks to God Almighty for making this trip come true. After more than a year of planning and anticipation, 35 of us had begun our journey together.

Leading a group for 13 days was a test of my spiritual leadership and servanthood. We started each day with a short devotion while on the bus. Every night, I prepared a Morning Prayer that would be appropriate to the site that we would be visiting the next day. Moreover, I had to ensure our group members’ safety and needs. I was greatly blessed by their care and respect in return.

The pilgrims at Petra in Jordan

The pilgrimage enlightened me in many ways. Firstly, I came to understand that Jordan is, and had always been, part of the Holy Land. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Naomi, Ruth and even Jesus had at one time or another been there. The descendants of Esau once lived in Petra, the famous ancient wonder. Secondly, I was moved by the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus instituted the Last Supper, carried His cross along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, was crucified, died and was resurrected. I could feel His presence and love for us all. Lastly, I was deeply touched when I officiated at the renewal of marriage vows for six couples in Cana, the place where Jesus did His first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding banquet. This reminds us all that marriage is holy and instituted by God, that it should be honoured and upheld.

The Rev. Canon Philip Der celebrates the Eucharist at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.

The pilgrimage not only enriched our understanding of the Bible, but also strengthened our bond and fellowship. We laughed together, dined together, celebrated together, sang together, prayed together and shared our testimonies together. When one got lost, all were concerned; when one fell, all reached out to care. We had truly lived out what 1 Corinthians 12 taught the Body of Christ should be. We were one in the bond of love.

I thank my hardworking team – Dora, Benita and Clara for their tireless effort and dedication, our travel agency, our guides and bus drivers for making the trip possible and memorable. Above all, I thank God for all the blessings bestowed upon us as we journeyed together in the footsteps of Jesus.

The Rev. Canon Philip Der is the incumbent of St. Christopher, Richmond Hill.

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