Good morning, Good People,
May the Lord give you peace and blessings in the Holy Spirit. It is 19th July 2025.
Am I walking as a pilgrim or wandering around purposelessly?
Pope Benedict XVI taught us, “Life itself is a pilgrimage, and the human being is a visitor, a pilgrim traveling along the road, making his way to the desired destination.”
We reflect on Exodus 12:37–42 and Matthew 12:14–21. Life is a journey — mysterious, sacred, and full of purpose.
Sometimes we set out unprepared, with little more than faith and hope in our bags. Other times, we meticulously plan our every step. But whether spontaneous or structured, every journey involves three key elements: God, ourselves, and the destination. When these align, something holy happens. A pilgrimage begins.
In Exodus, we walk with the Israelites — a vast throng of men, women, children, and livestock, journeying hastily with only unleavened bread. They were not just leaving Egypt — they were leaving slavery, stepping into the long, winding promise of freedom. For 430 years they carried stories of pain, hope, and promise. Their roads were not paved, but their hearts were stirred by God.
We, too, are pilgrims — traveling not to a place, but to a Person. Heaven is our Father’s House, and the road winds through deserts of doubt, mountains of mercy, and valleys of testing. On this sacred journey, we are called to be focused, faithful, creative, and courageous. We must keep moving. Stagnation breeds sin: fixation becomes idolatry.
“That same night is a vigil to be kept for the Lord by all the Israelites throughout their generations.” (Exodus 12:42). God kept vigil for His people then — and He still keeps vigil for us today.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us, “The world is thy ship and not thy home.”
The Gospel reveals Christ as the Suffering Servant — gentle, just, and healing. Jesus walks beside every crushed reed and smouldering wick, upholding the dignity of the bruised and breathing hope into the fading.
“He will not break the crushed reed, nor quench the smouldering wick.” (Matthew 12:20)
In our journey, we too must protect the weak, embrace the wounded, and bear witness to love in its most tender forms.
People may plot against your mission — distractions, discouragement, or rejection may arise. But our response is not fear. It is to reaffirm God’s presence in all things — even the uncomfortable, unexpected, and unknown.
The Jubilee Year reminds us that every path we walk can be holy ground, every detour a doorway to grace. May you have a peaceful day.