Assisi, Italy - May 14, 2017

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Today's lessons were about the joy of flexibility. We abandoned our schedule twice to participate in local events that had been unknown to us. The English Mass at the Basilica of Saint Francis was changed from 11:00 to 9:00 a.m. Which conflicted with the lecture schedule. Some of the Catholics in the group wrestled with their choice. Each followed their heart.

As much as I wanted to experience Mass in the Basilica I didn't want to miss the lecture.

The second adaptation was the afternoon schedule. Pat learned that there was a procession planned to move relics from Saint Clare Basilica to the New Church. It was a rare opportunity for us to join in. It was at 5:00 pm. Of course, this is Italy, so it started around 5:30. There was music and singing. I enjoyed the young nun with her guitar who led the singing through the streets of Assisi. Someone was her moving music stand walking alongside her. She was wired with a microphone that blared through portable speakers attached to long pole that was carried much further back in the procession so that more folks could join in the singing.

Our Pilgrim group stood along the processional route as the hundreds of clergy and religious processes by. After the Bishop passed by carrying the relics we followed the townspeople to their final destination at New Church.

When the festivities concluded, I doubled back to the Basilica to spend some quiet time in the chapel where the original San Damiano Cross hangs. The life story of Saint Francis hangs on this crucifix.

Saint Francis had a vision of the Christ figure speaking to him from the cross. Francis was told to "rebuild the church". At first Frances took this directive literally by rebuilding an old church badly needing repairs. Later, as Francis grew in his spiritual awareness, he began to stand as a presence for change in the institution of the church.

Today was full of sensory delights. I pondered what is my call "to build the church?" What does that mean for modern day Pilgrims like you and me? Is there a church to rebuild, or is it time to create another way? Is it about finding the commonality that draws groups together rather than focusing on our differences. Is it about the people embracing new ways of being, deeper ways of being in relationship with the Holy? Is it about rethinking very fundamental concepts, such as: where is heaven? So much inside of me shifted when I realized that heaven isn't far away up there somewhere. When I began to understand that Heaven is right here, I realized a new appreciation for Earth, her sacredness and my responsibility to defend and protect her.

What about you? What are you called to? Or what call are you running away from?

I have learned that every challenge is an invitation to a new adventure.

Come on. Live it up. Take a risk. You only have this moment. Right now.

Pastor Carol