As the pilgrims moved Thursday from a hotel near Galilee to Jerusalem, Father Adrian Porras sat down with Catholic News Herald reporter Kimberly Bender to answer a few questions about the Holy Land pilgrimage so far:
Kimberly: The first Mass of the pilgrimage was at the Primacy of Peter. What was that like for you?
Father Adrian: “Just to be on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. As we believe when we celebrate Mass, all the saints and the angels are present – to be there, especially with Peter in mind, to think of how God called him forth, with his errors and weaknesses, with the same calling God calls us through our baptism – it was really inspiring for me to celebrate Mass where it all began.
Kimberly: The highlight of the pilgrimage thus far for many has been the Church of the Annunciation. How did it make you feel?
Father Adrian: “It was an incomprehensible sense of holiness, mysticism, humility, but profound holiness all packed into one area. Mary, being the icon of the faith – her yes to God started it all, and it happened in that little cave.”
Kimberly: Your second Mass was celebrated at the site of Jesus’ first miracle, Cana. What images did that invoke?
Father Adrian: “To know we were celebrating a renewal of vows of two dear friends of mine. And it was about knowing that this was life that Jesus lived, too. Jesus was a man with the people, there to celebrate a very joyous occasion. We were able to celebrate two people's love for each other. To know it was the first sign in John’s Gospel, changing water into wine. It was a peek of the beginning of the revelation of who He was, and, ultimately, that He would give His life for all of us.
Kimberly: The theme I’ve given to the pilgrimage, and oftentimes in Lent, is change. Do you think you’ve changed?
Father Adrian: “We are seeing so much in such a short time. It’s something that may sink in afterwards when I have time to reflect on the pilgrimage. I feel so blessed to be here, to just be here in Jerusalem, in this holy, ancient city – to know where Jesus came to offer His life – is really making me think.”
Follow along with the pilgrims
See lots of photos, quotes, reflections, faith facts and videos from the Holy Land as the pilgrims walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Join the virtual pilgrimage: http://lentholyland.tumblr.com/
During his homily on Sunday at Mass in the Grotto of Gethsemane, Father Adrian Porras spoke of our need to seek God's will, not our own, in everything that we do.
Jesus' public ministry comes to a crescendo when He enters Jerusalem, Father Adrian noted – and the ultimate purpose of His life was not just to teach or to heal, but to redeem us from death and sin through His death on the cross and His resurrection. Our salvation is made possible by His ultimate sacrifice.
"Sacrifice, that's a word that we should always attach to the Mass," Father Adrian said.
And it's important to remember, he said, that Jesus did not come just to save the people who lived in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.
"He gave His life for us. Think to yourself: He also came here for you." That means every soul who ever lived and everyone who ever will live.
God keeps each one of us close to His heart, Father Adrian emphasized.
"What he accomplished here is meant to help us go back to Him for all eternity."
All of Jesus' actions culminated in Jerusalem with His sacrifice, to redeem us through the shedding of His blood, the blood of the Lamb that we re-present during every Mass.
And it was in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the spot where the pilgrims celebrated Mass today, where Jesus prayed before His Passion and death. It was painful for Him, and at one point He asked to be spared from what He knew was going to happen.
But – most importantly – Jesus ended His prayers the same way we should always end our prayers, Father Adrian preached.
"No matter what we seek in our lives, even when we're praying for something to happen – especially for someone to live, to get over a disease, or a tragedy – our prayers should always end: 'Not as I will, but as You will.'
"If we truly believe in His will, then we know that all that happens in life is Providence."
Watch more of his homily:
Follow along with the pilgrims
See lots of photos, quotes, reflections, faith facts and videos from the Holy Land as the pilgrims walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Join the virtual pilgrimage: http://lentholyland.tumblr.com/