Blessed

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”              Luke 10.23, 24

I have long believed that I only know of God what He Himself reveals to me. In this I am blessed, for He has made real to me the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When this happened I was not seeking Him, at least not consciously so. Indeed, at that time, I was fully occupied with a demanding job and raising a child on my own. But God knew better. He could well see the difference that would come in my life if I was to enter into relationship with Him.

And so He drew me to Jesus. In fact He took me into the whole Trinity. It was real. He offered me relationship, and I received it. It was instantly good, and has got progressively deeper and richer with each passing day. I am truly blessed.

I did not yearn for God, yet He took me to Him. I see and hear amazing and beautiful things, sights of wonder, words and actions of love. Many people have sought this. These people populate every sector of society. Even prophets and kings have striven to know God, to be drawn into relationship with Him.

However, this is not something we can instigate. It comes by way of a sovereign act of God. If He moves, then we have a choice. When offered, I chose Him.

I am blessed!

O Loving God,

I recall with joy the events of long ago when You drew me to You. How wonderful that time was, yet the wonder and joy has increased as the relationship has grown and prospered. You draw me closer and take me deeper into love with each passing day. I am so blessed, and so very grateful.

Thank You, I love You.            Amen.

Present Sufferings

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.               Rom. 8.18

At times, present sufferings could well appear to be unendurable and insurmountable. Yet there is release to come and, with it, entry into the most glorious life hereafter.

Present sufferings and the glory to come bear absolutely no resemblance to each other. As I reflect on what Paul says here, I am moved to suggest that I need to look beyond present suffering, to not be swayed by it nor made captive to it. If I experience suffering, then I cannot ignore it, but I need not allow it to consume me. Difficult as it might be, I can lift my vision and see what God has for me when I finally join with Him in glory. If this is my focus, any present difficulties will not distract me.

I have been blessed to see this “faith” in action. Several examples – all female – come readily to mind. The ladies in question all experienced the most trying and debilitating physical ails. Their bodies were wracked with pain and disease. Yet their demeanour was always joyful and their countenance cheerful. They were not given over to their afflictions. They saw Jesus, His presence with them in the immediate suffering, and His promise of a glorious state to come. All these ladies are now enjoying the fullness of His glory. Yet their anticipation of it in this life was so determined that they overcame the agonies of pain and suffering. What wonderful encouragement they give to me!

Almighty God,

If I am to experience further suffering in this life, my prayer is that I will look beyond it to the glory that is You. May my faith be strong to deal with pain, dismissing it in favour of the promise of glorious eternal life.

Lord, You are my strength. I look to You.       Amen.

My book "God Talk" is available from major Internet booksellers.
A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").

Returning

I've now been home for three weeks. It's taken me this time to adjust and to feel I can resume the blog. I apologise to any regular readers for the delay.

My return from Europe to Australia took the better part of two days - two taxing and tiring days.Then it took about two weeks to settle back into an acceptable sleeping and waking pattern. Such are the joys of international travel, but the discomforts are soon lost in the remembrances of the blessings of the trip.

After returning home it was "business as usual' almost immediately. I so enjoy working with, and for, God.

The memories of my European Pilgrimage are still strong and vibrant. I have also found that God is continuing to expand insights He gave me during my Camino days. I had been home just a few days when I had a "prang" in the car. I needed to brake suddenly, but I simply didn't stop in time. The damage at first appeared slight, but when the experts viewed the vehicle I was advised (or maybe ordered) not to drive it any further. I am car-less for two weeks.

I have realised how I could have reacted to this situation. I don't think I did! I might have blamed God, asking Him why He allowed this to happen (as if it had anything to do with Him). I did not do this! Instead I took hold of the understanding that God sometimes allows mishaps to occur. Sometimes He may instigate the mishap. The lesson I'm learning is not to blame God when things go wrong. Instead I look for Him in the midst of the dilemma or catastrophe, for I know He will walk with me. He will lead me through the presenting misadventure - into victory!

I see this as a valuable insight. When I reflect on the inhuman activity that is occurring in many different parts of the world, I see the absolute necessity for God's people to look to Him, to lay hold of His presence with them, and to let Him lead them through.

The positive of the car's absence is that I have been walking more, not only where I need to go, but extra jaunts as well. And it's great!

The Camino lessons continue in my daily life. And so they might, for my pilgrimage is ongoing. I hope to journey with Jesus each day that is left of this earthly existence. And after, I look to being with Him for all eternity.

I plan to continue the blog with postings from my prayer journal, as I have done previously. Earlier this year a selection of my prayer journal entries was published in a volume titled GOD TALK. For anyone interested, the book is available from major Internet booksellers. A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").

May you know the reality of His presence with you as you journey your own pilgrimage through life. May He strengthen, comfort, love and bless you. Amen.

Every which way

Today is Wednesday. Since Sunday I have experienced almost unbelievable journeys of crossing -and sometimes re crossing - tracts of Umbria and Marche. Why has this been so? It's maybe due to inadequate pre-planning on my part. Insufficient prior Internet information could be another cause. The reason, singular or otherwise, is presently immaterial. The reality is now history. 

So what am I on about? In a nutshell the vagaries of travel. On Sunday I was due to leave Assisi for Norcia. The distance is not excessive. I identified an afternoon bus service that would take about two hours. This was good. Further research, however, showed that this service did not operate during weekends. This was not good!! The only arrangement available was a train from Assisi to Spoleto, then a bus from Spoleto to Norcia. The time interval between train arrival at Spoleto and bus departure was 5 hours. Oh, no!!!

And so it happened that I revisited Spoleto. When I arrived, I learned that Sunday was the final day of the Spoleto Festival. The festive spirit was still in the air and so my time there passed easily and interestingly. The hour's bus trip to Norcia brought further interest. Now I was leaving the Umbrian plain with its hill towns and cities. We were climbing into the higher elevation of Mount Sibillini National Park. And these were real mountains!

Norcia was easy to familiarise with. As I entered through the Roman Gate I had a most pleasant surprise.

The central street was abuzz with people. The bars and restaurants were overflowing. I don't think I'd seen as much lively, joyful activity on a Sunday in any place during my time in Europe. It was great, and greatly infectious. Norcia is, perhaps, best known as the birthplace of St. Benedict. 

I had an enjoyable stay in Norcia - and in my visit to Cascia on Monday.

Yesterday was my day to move from Norcia to Ascoli Piceno. In planning this trip I'd chosen a sensible progression. From Lake Trasimeno to Assisi and thence to Norcia, Ascoli Piceno, Macerata and finally Ancona. It all looked fine up front. The distance from Norcia to Ascoli Piceno is about 50 Km. A bus service covers this in good time. But - can you truly believe this? - the bus service only operates at weekends!!! (Momentarily I was tempted to wish that travel timetables for Assisi and Norcia were juxtaposed. But wishful thinking is futile.) What was the alternative? I was faced with a bus ride back to Spoleto (my third visit) with a fairly immediate train link to Ascoli Piceno travelling - get this - via Ancona! I would be travelling about 220 Km to get to a place less than 50 Km away!!

When I finally got to Ascoli Piceno I found a most delightful place where I enjoyed the evening ambience and a tasty dinner.

How have I responded to these recent experiences? Interestingly, I've not expressed any of what I might consider to be normal reactions for me. Top of the list might have come frustration. This has not occurred. Indeed, what I've been most aware of is the fun I've had as I've crossed/crisscrossed these beautiful areas. I have truly enjoyed being "driven around". Both bus and train travel have been varied and truly enjoyable.

I think I've surprised myself a little with this reaction, but it makes a lot of sense to me. We may not need to learn from every experience in life. Sometimes, I think, God allows experience for experience sake. In these days, however, I have connected with my earlier times on the Camino. A definite learning for me there was to give God my fullest trust. Another realisation that I got was that I need to grow in patience and tolerance. I'm beginning to see progress in both these areas. These last few days have borne this out for me.

But the journey continues. Tomorrow I move on to Ancona (does that sound familiar?), my final stop before heading home on Sunday. As well as the outward travel, the inward journey also proceeds, and promises change. I give myself to them both.

Shades of Francis

Assisi really is a very special place for me. I've taken advantage of rain-free mornings to visit those places that Francis knew.

My first stop was San Damiano. I left the hotel at about 8.15am. The morning brought mist to the mountain, and the walk downwards toward San Damiano had a touch of mystery and romance about it.

Yes. I can clearly connect both those words to God and to my relationship with Him. After I'd gone more than a little way, I came across a notice advising that San Damiano would open to visitors at 10am. My progress would get me there a little before 9. I confess to getting quite miffed at God's House being closed up and locked by the human species (have I mentioned this before?). Before I got too agitated with this, I decided to continue on down. Hopefully I would find a quiet place to sit where I could spend an hour in God's company while waiting for a mere mortal to open His House. As I proceeded I was suddenly aware of the strongest sense of God's presence with me.

It was almost like He was affirming my decision and expressing His delight with it.

It wasn't too long before I faced the restored little church, solitary in its location, where Francis heard the voice of Christ calling him to conversion and urging him to restore the church.

As I approached the building, I saw an open door. Sightseers were not welcome before 10am but I had come to pay my respects and to worship, so I entered the doorway which led me into the tiny sanctuary. This was all I wanted. As I sat, alone, in quiet reflection, the Christ who spoke those centuries ago to Francis ministered to me.

Behind the altar, the seating for the monks takes a semi-circular form lining the walls. The seats seem to form a composite unit, in wood,with panelled backing and a canopy over. As I looked at this arrangement what I saw were the arms of Christ following the semi-circle of the seating and reaching out to embrace me. He's welcoming me further. He wants me to continue with Him. We will walk on together.

In time others came into the chapel. I don't know if they were worshippers or tourists. It was time for me to leave.

As I retraced my steps, now walking back up the hill, the mist still hung in the air. This was when I remembered the lines of a poem studied, years ago, at school. What came to mind was: Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Here I was, walking up through the mist. I knew that God was with me. I had a realisation that whilst I saw mist, God did not. Where my vision might be misty, God's is clear. As long as I give myself to walk with Him, He will lead me, in His light and,  eventually, the way -and His will -shall become clear to me. God was ministering to me from a poem studied over half a century ago, for I then saw the outcome, being 'mellow fruitfulness'.

There is a present continuity with the lessons of trust that came through so clearly on the Camino. If I will trust God and give myself to walk with Him whatever the weather, be it sunny and clear or misty and perhaps a little confusing, then I will see, and receive the blessing of mellow fruitfulness. My fruitfulness will not be of my doing. It will come by God having His way in me. I will benefit by knowing the beauty of mellowness. I see it touching on the contentment that I connect with Paul. It removes any anxiety on my part and gives me a peace and assurance for my ongoing travels. My companion is ever present. I thank my God for His faithfulness and love.

Later in the day, as it was still fine and dry, I took the upward path to Eremo Delle Carceri, the hermitage site where Francis and his companions would go for retreat. The four-and-a-half kilometre walk (climb) up Mount Subiaco gives spectacular views over the Umbrian plain.

A different perspective is also seen of Assisi, viewed from the eastern side.

From my previous visit I remembered a most welcome coffee stop about half way to the hermitage. The bar was still there. I complemented my coffee with a slice of the yummiest cheesecake.

On arrival at the hermitage I skipped a tour of the buildings. I had previously done that.

My destination was the woodland, the glades and arbours where I (perhaps like Francis before me) could sit quietly at rest and commune with God. A special favourite of mine is the outdoor chapel.

I also took in the 'Altar of Francis'.

All through these woodlands the peace is pervasive. I walk with Him; I talk with Him. I feel as if I'm in heaven.

The walk back down (to earth!) seemed effortless. The ongoing journey beckons.

The Lake and Beyond

     My move on from Perugia was to the Lake District - that is, the shores of Lago (Lake) Trasimeno. My first night was spent at Castiglione del Lago,  a delightful town on the western shore.  Again there was a walk from the railway station to the old town, and this time I had a slight shower of rain to contend with en route. And, yet again, there was what appears to be the inevitable "climb up".

The hotel was delightful and it boasted a first rate restaurant noted for the local cuisine.  The rooftop terrace gave spectacular views over the whole of the lake.

(Again apologies! I have another video but still don't know how to incorporate it into the Blog).

As I took a stroll around I was fascinated to come across the local cinema - fair and square in the middle of the castle forecourt.

My taste of "culture" for the night was culinary - and it was truly tasty. I treated myself, in the restaurant, to the Trasimeno Sapori (Flavours) menu. It was superb and, of course, rich in fish caught fresh from the lake.

My second night was spent on the other side of the lake at Passignano Sul Trasimeno.

Here the hotel had a swimming pool - the holidaymaker was pleased! A highlight of my day was a ferry trip to Isola Maggiore, the largest of the three islands in the lake.

Again I saw many old buildings which included a number of churches.

It amazes me the number (and the size) of churches in comparatively small populations. Of particular interest to me was to learn that Francis of Assisi once spent the 40 days of Lent on the island, during which time he ate just one piece of bread.

And, talking of Francis, I arrived today in Assisi.

This place truly does something to my spirit. It feels like I'm at home here. I don't take much notice of the touristy stuff, or the Franciscan headquarters; my focus and my delight is to visit the places that were significant to Francis. In the next couple of days I hope to re-acquaint myself with his haunts. I say "hope to" because the weather forecast is for thunder storms, and we had a brief taste of one this afternoon.

I will not fret. I leave it to God and, whatever transpires, I feel sure I shall enjoy further adventures with Him.

    

Next Stop!

Perugia did not disappoint. I arrived at lunch time on Saturday, giving me still a whole lot of the day to explore and get familiar with the old town.

After booking my hotel some months ago, I've had time to wonder if I'd actually placed myself too far out of the centre. In fact I have not. The hotel is 15 minutes walk from the centre, and what's a 15 minute walk to a seasoned veteran like me?

And the hotel? I've done it again - 4 star stuff. This is definitely not pilgrim budgeting, and I'm SO enjoying it! The pilgrim cum tourist has also morphed into a holidaymaker. My room is on the fourth floor. Next up is the roof, and the rooftop lounge area and swimming pool. I've used it liberally. I should also add there's the most splendid view of the whole area.

(I'm a bit enbarrassed because I thought I'd cleverly taken a video from the rooftop, but I don't know how to include it here. Oops!)

Yesterday (Sunday) my walking and familiarising extended beyond the old city to areas lower down on the other side of the city. To facilitate access between these two parts of the city a system of escalators takes one below ground and through the Rocca Paolina - a fascinating underground fortress.

My afternoon (on this lower side) was a little disappointing as a couple of the places I set out specifically to see were not open. However, the effort was vindicated when I spied the cutest ice cream/ gelato shop.

Here I partook of a sheer taste of heaven brought to me via two ice cream flavours (strawberry/and cream), and all for the paltry sum of euro 1.80.

Today I ventured to Gubbio, recorded in one guide as the most intact and well-preserved medieval town in Umbria.

I marvelled at the Palazzo Dei Consoli (Palace of the Consuls), a most impressive looking building that symbolised the power of medieval Gubbio. A tour of the building firmly attested to this.

After lunch I took up a serious personal challenge and achieved, I do believe, some progress. I took the cable-car from the city to the Basilica Sant 'Ubaldo at the top of Mt Ingino. As I've got older I've developed a fear of heights. This doesn't sit well with me, so action is called for. The cable-car ride was absolutely terrific. The view was superb.

A special bonus awaited me at the top where, as part of the Basilica complex, I found the delightful Cappella SS Sacramento. Truly, this was my idea of God's Abode. It was simple, clean and elegant - no musty smell, no ancient relics. I sat with The Lord in the peace and tranquility. It was wonderful.

 

I had a good day at Gubbio.

In this time the cultural side of life has been thriving, with quite a smorgasbord of delights.

The San Francisco Ballet at Spoleto on Friday was simply stunning. The Roman Theatre was a perfect setting - the dancers were so immediate. The Romans' engineering ability coupled with their skill in aesthetics is truly something to be admired. We are blessed that we can still do this in some parts of the world.

The Perugia events calendar showed a concert on Saturday night at the Church and Monastery of Santa Giuliana. It was given by a group from La Akademski Pevski Zbor Tone Tomsic University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (try saying that quickly!). The concert turned out to be acappella singing, and it was sublime. I readily confess to being a softie and throughout the initial items I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I couldn't fault these extraordinary young people and their amazing (young) director.

I reflected on the talent and dedication of these young people from Slovenia. I remembered likewise the young dancers frm San Francisco - and I felt hopeful. As long as young people give themselves as I saw these do, we can have hope for the future.

On Sunday, the Tourist Information told me there were no concerts or performances. Well, I found one! I saw a simple small poster stuck to a wall announcing "De Sidera" and, as far as I was able to translate, it was a presentation of various scenarios of human behaviour. I thought it could be fun. It was! The company comprised about 50 to 60 individuals. The presentation, beginning at 10 pm, was in the garden of their drama college, and their depictions of human frailties, behaviour and it's effects were deeply insightful.

Yes, my cultural appetite is being well fed, and with such a variety of "foods".

Caio!