Returning

Pilgrims have all arrived, a bit bleary-eyed of course. Hours of international travel take their toll. Tel Aviv is a wonderful place to overnight while bodies get acclimated to new times zones, the sounds of new languages, and the look and feel of new money. The beach-front promenade provides a welcoming invitation to move while the Mediterranean itself offers refreshing vitalization to body and soul.

This morning, we officially started the pilgrimage with a time for quiet reflection on the rooftop terrace of our hotel. For some the prayer practice of Lectio Divina is new and I walked the group through the concept of “listening with the ear of your heart,” an invitation that dates back to St. Benedict. I had brought small stone hearts for each pilgrim to carry as a reminder to perceive God’s work through a lens of the inner mystery and communion with God rather than the often narrow perspective of information gathering.

Our verse for the morning was Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Lectio invites the selection and lingering on a word or phrase punctuated with spirit-directed silences. As I listened for a word that called to me, the phrase “returning” became the clear focus.

At first, this seemed liked an obvious choice. Here I am in this holy land again, returning to my sacred second home of sorts. Aren’t these pilgrimages all about my need to return to my roots? The taproot of the ancient ways and wisdom are the undercurrent of this place. But I could also imagine that "returning" might be a form of revisiting the political, the invitation to explore the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with more depth. Or was this an invitation to  re-connect with Palestinian friends whose hospitality I find heart-warming and expansive? 

As the day unfolded, I became aware of other returnings and they really had nothing to do with me. Our group itinerary is set well in advance in negotiation with the tour operator and tour guide. Issa and Iyad are my primary conversation partners and I have learned to trust them for the rhythms of the day. Having led these trips for several years, there are places that I prefer to see in a particular order. And, to be honest, there are places that I could bypass altogether. One such place was Mt. Karmel where Elijah slaughtered the 450+ prophets of Bael. I had never been to the church at this site but for some reason, I had decided that I didn’t like it. Iyad suggested lunch on this mountain and so I reluctantly agreed to schedule a visit to this site.

As we arrived in the parking lot, my inner voice was grumbling loudly and I could feel resistance rising. As much as I tried, I was stubbornly fighting with my need to be in control. The church was under construction and we couldn’t go in. The voice inside got even more nasty.  

Then I heard another voice, one that didn’t belong to me. My cousin Doug was singing part of the Elijah oratorio. I was a bit startled and turned to see him responding to this place with wonder.

Up the steps we went and before us was the most beautiful view of the Jereel Valley. From the Galilee to the Sea – it took my breath away.  

As I read the biblical story account, there were tears on Doug’s face. He told me that the Elijah story was one that touched him deeply through the downturns many of us have navigated as pastor/disciples. His honest and transparent joy at being at this site reminded me of another kind of returning. 

Remembering God’s past faithfulness is the most important kind of returning.

I'm glad I'm back.