Long Distance

It is incredible how people make sacrifices to be present in special occasions, if not see important persons. One of the activities that Pope Francis attended in the United States during his visit in September was the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

The Walker family from Argentina travelled 11,000 miles in their Volkswagen camper van, passing through 13 countries in 194 days reaching Philadelphia in time for the special event for families.  Little did they know that the Pope had learned of their journey and wanted to meet them. 

When they met, the Holy Father asked them, “Are you the family who travelled from Buenos Aires? You’re crazy,” then laughed.   When told by the family that they really wanted to greet him, he responded, “(W)hen I found out that you were here I said I wanted to meet you, I was following (your travels). It’s great we got to meet each other!”

The Pontiff was then overheard saying in Italian, “This is really important: a young family who had the courage to take off in a camper van and live life with joy comes out to meet other families.”

In many instances during the ministry of Jesus Christ, people traveled long distances to hear his words or to seek healing.  And Christ, like a shepherd to his lambs, responded with Godly teachings and wondrous miracles. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

Yet we must realize that we need not travel thousands of miles to find refuge in God. There was this sickly woman who longed for healing in Medjugorje; but could not afford the trip. She sought the intercession of Mary; and to her amazement, she was healed.

God is omnipresent; he knows our needs; and if we have the courage and humility to seek him, he responds with his power and goodness. What God measures is not the distance of travel in seeking him, rather it is the depth of our faith in him. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) (Bro Mel B Libre)