Two more days to the Holy Land

I have finally allowed myself to think about the pilgrimage. I have had a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness and fear. I have been thinking about all the pilgrims who have gone before me. These pilgrims have include such luminaries as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Like St. Francis and St. Ignatius, I am imagining myself walking the same path that Jesus walked. Yet, the modern context of the Holy Land does not evade my imagination. I will be traveling to such a sacred location that has been marred by violence. The opportunity to participate in the Franciscan Peacemaking Pilgrimage is my way to enter this Holy Land and acknowledge the work that needs to be done for us to truly live the message of peace that the God of Abraham desires for all of us.