PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 28

THURSDAY, JUNE 28: Assist with Veronika’s Place Food Distribution and visit with Community

Matthew 7:21-29 – A house built on rock

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

Reflection written by Seamus O’Toole, Co-Chair, Education Committee, traveled with fiancée in 2011, now wife Cindy Cupino O’Toole

Our time at Veronika’s Place is one of my more endearing memories – one I revisit often when I feel distant from the lessons I learned on our trip.

After arriving, we hustled off the bus and were greeted by well over a hundred people of all ages and backgrounds. A number of people took the microphone, thanking us for our vital support. One woman, clearly filled with the strength of The Spirit, began singing a song of thanks and celebration. The entire group joined in, singing, dancing, and clapping. What had I done to deserve such a reception? How could they have such strong spirits given their circumstances?

We spent time learning about their individual stories and challenges. During this experience, I got one of the first glimpses of something that became so clear during the rest of our trip. God did not send me there to help them. He sent me there to learn from them.

These people – despite being so vulnerable – were filled with The Spirit in ways I’ve never experienced. They showed a humility that is so rare in our society. My eyes were open. God was calling me to change – to know Him better and build my house on His rock.