This Sunday, the 19th week in Ordinary Time, the readings again continue the theme of the last few weeks regarding our priorities and preparation for the coming Kingdom and we continue that journey with this weekend’s readings but rather than in faraway lands we take on the perspective of our own local pilgrimage.

Both the Old and the New Testaments speak about people getting ready for a journey: in the Book of Wisdom we hear of the Hebrews heading out for the Promised Land and they are asked to put their faith in God that they might have the necessary courage for the journey; In the New Testament’s Letter to the Hebrews, we hear that “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go.”

A Franciscan priest, Fr. Friedman, who offers frequent pilgrimages to the Holy Land provides us with an understanding about how one is supposed to pack and prepare for a pilgrimage: pack light, ready your heart to hear God’s Word, be prepared to rise early and be on the move—“this pilgrimage is no leisurely vacation.” In the Lukan Gospel the Lord asks us to have dependence on God, telling us “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Meaning that the “luggage” we are to carry is not meant for earthly possessions bur rather to carry “treasures in heaven.” Then the gospel morphs into a warning about the coming of the Kingdom of God and calls us to “be prepared” so that we are not caught off guard by the world, culture or other personal choices—but that we are steadfast in our faith.

This might seem all very distant and unconnected to us in the 21st century here in New England—but the readings are meant to speak to us about our own journeys, not just about a future trip to the Holy Land. While we might not be planning a long trip, we do make a journey every weekend to Church and while the travel and the destination may not seem exotic or out of the regularity of everyday life, it is still a faith journey to the Eucharistic meal, the Word of God and the community of like-minded believers—the Mystical Body of Christ. And the questions asked in the readings also apply to us: how do we prepare for the pilgrimage to Church? Have we prayed before we come, are our hearts and minds in right relationship with God and with each other. Are we thankful in our petitions to God before receiving Christ’s most Sacred Body and Blood. And when we leave church for the land beyond, are we prepared and nurtured to take Him with us into our families and everyday lives?

While the pilgrimage to West Simsbury might not always carry with it the same excitement of a foreign destination, the end is still the same: One with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit—for all Eternity. Blessed Travels!