Day 2 Reflection
Dear Readers,
Today was a very comforting and eventful day. As we became more acclimated with Rome, the excitement and comraderie grew stronger. Even after getting a late start to the day, we still lived very pilgrim-like with wonderful times of contemplation and prayer. While we prayed the Angelus with Pope Francis, I was truly blown away and finally came to that coveted ah-ha moment that I was in Rome. But to avoid merely summarizing events, I'd rather discuss my personal thoughts and reflections from the many graces I received today.
First and foremost, any day spent thinking about God contains many graces that we can all recognize and thank him for. Admiring the old art and architecture, I realized how long these traditions and passions of the Church have truly been around. The awe of these places shows a genuine connect of generations, decades, and centuries as we are strongly drawn to contemplation and deep searching through the events and specific details these art pieces depict. In the Chiesa del Gesú, the mother church of the Jesuits, a painting next to one of the side altars struck my eye as it depicted St. Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuits and a major missionary with whom I hold a strong devotion. Particularly, the painting interested me because behind St. Francis' garment, a piece of his heart was showing bright with red and orange flames flaring. I was brought to my knees in prayer as I realized the true meaning of this pilgrimage specifically for me but also very pertinent to all people of faith.
My personal mantra of this pilgrimage is, "Authenticity toward virtue." Through all the struggles and successes of our daily lives we must look towards our authenticity, who we truly are, to keep our spiritual fires going. Before anything else, we are beautifully and wonderfully created sons and daughters of God. This identity we hold cannot ever be removed. With that being said we are also sinners on a path towards ultimate goodness. The depictions of saints seen throughout the day displayed an outright and all-giving passion for God. This fire burns in each and every one of us just like in the heart of every saint. How authentic I stay to my creator, supported by virtue, will ultimately drive my passion for Christ and fulfill longing desire to be loved eternally. We must embrace our authenticity to connect with God. These same themes were also present in a painting of St. Francis of Assisi appearing to his fellow friars with flames coming forth from beneath him. Sainthood is not achieved on one's own, but instead with the ultimate help of God. By looking at the lives of Christ, the saints of heaven, and the saints all around us in our daily lives, we can more intently understand God's call to holiness and our passion to seek and discover that calling.
Lastly before my post gets too long, causing jet lag, I also came to the understanding of what shoud be achieved through a pilgrimage. Throughout my pilgrimage, I am on a personal journey to more deeply seek out, put forth the effort and find God in my life. Luckily this became a lot easier with the amazing group of guys here to endure this with me. With that being said, I firmly believe that pilgrimages throughout life and these wonderful spiritual experiences would not be complete without an aspect of return. These churches, holy sites, and artwork truly inspire me to a point of deep spiritual change, but if I go back home complacent to the world about my change of heart and what I learned in order to do God's work amongst his people, than all purpose of taking part in this pilgrimage was lost in vain.
If you made it this far thanks for your time. I miss Houston but I will be back soon.
I challenge you all to intently search amongst your own hearts, to find your authenticity in God and spread that joy to others.
AMDG,
COLTON MARKS
Today was a very comforting and eventful day. As we became more acclimated with Rome, the excitement and comraderie grew stronger. Even after getting a late start to the day, we still lived very pilgrim-like with wonderful times of contemplation and prayer. While we prayed the Angelus with Pope Francis, I was truly blown away and finally came to that coveted ah-ha moment that I was in Rome. But to avoid merely summarizing events, I'd rather discuss my personal thoughts and reflections from the many graces I received today.
First and foremost, any day spent thinking about God contains many graces that we can all recognize and thank him for. Admiring the old art and architecture, I realized how long these traditions and passions of the Church have truly been around. The awe of these places shows a genuine connect of generations, decades, and centuries as we are strongly drawn to contemplation and deep searching through the events and specific details these art pieces depict. In the Chiesa del Gesú, the mother church of the Jesuits, a painting next to one of the side altars struck my eye as it depicted St. Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuits and a major missionary with whom I hold a strong devotion. Particularly, the painting interested me because behind St. Francis' garment, a piece of his heart was showing bright with red and orange flames flaring. I was brought to my knees in prayer as I realized the true meaning of this pilgrimage specifically for me but also very pertinent to all people of faith.
My personal mantra of this pilgrimage is, "Authenticity toward virtue." Through all the struggles and successes of our daily lives we must look towards our authenticity, who we truly are, to keep our spiritual fires going. Before anything else, we are beautifully and wonderfully created sons and daughters of God. This identity we hold cannot ever be removed. With that being said we are also sinners on a path towards ultimate goodness. The depictions of saints seen throughout the day displayed an outright and all-giving passion for God. This fire burns in each and every one of us just like in the heart of every saint. How authentic I stay to my creator, supported by virtue, will ultimately drive my passion for Christ and fulfill longing desire to be loved eternally. We must embrace our authenticity to connect with God. These same themes were also present in a painting of St. Francis of Assisi appearing to his fellow friars with flames coming forth from beneath him. Sainthood is not achieved on one's own, but instead with the ultimate help of God. By looking at the lives of Christ, the saints of heaven, and the saints all around us in our daily lives, we can more intently understand God's call to holiness and our passion to seek and discover that calling.
Lastly before my post gets too long, causing jet lag, I also came to the understanding of what shoud be achieved through a pilgrimage. Throughout my pilgrimage, I am on a personal journey to more deeply seek out, put forth the effort and find God in my life. Luckily this became a lot easier with the amazing group of guys here to endure this with me. With that being said, I firmly believe that pilgrimages throughout life and these wonderful spiritual experiences would not be complete without an aspect of return. These churches, holy sites, and artwork truly inspire me to a point of deep spiritual change, but if I go back home complacent to the world about my change of heart and what I learned in order to do God's work amongst his people, than all purpose of taking part in this pilgrimage was lost in vain.
If you made it this far thanks for your time. I miss Houston but I will be back soon.
I challenge you all to intently search amongst your own hearts, to find your authenticity in God and spread that joy to others.
AMDG,
COLTON MARKS
Great job Colton capturing what this pilgrimage truly means to you. We have been following along with the reflections of the whole group. They are real life accounts that are truly inspiring. It is probably no coincidence that there are 12 of you giving your accounts of the days activities and your personal interpretations. It is much like the account of the 12 disciples. There could not a better time as we go through this Lenten season. We are proud of you. Mom and Dad.
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