Pilgrim struggles...do not be discouraged!

I encouarge all pilgrims to remain positive as they begin fundraising efforts. The funds needed for this trip might seem like a distant dream that is unattainable. However, with God all things are possible. So we keep our eyes on Jesus, while we also are fully immersed in the fundraising efforts.

One suggestion I recently heard about merits reflection. The person suggested that each pilgrim come up with 50 names of persons they know who might be interested and able to donate to their pilgrimage. The pilgrim then writes a "begging" letter to each person on their list. It is important that you not only list those persons capable of donating, but those interested! This might include people who do not have a lot of money, that is, for example, children or young adults. Many spiritual benefits are accomplished by this.

First, by including all ranges of people, the word about World Youth Day expands, especially to those open to it. This is a way of including a variety of people, and not just one class of people, ie, those with money. We are imitating God's openness to all people in this way as God never discriminates where His gifts go.

Second, as humiliating as it might seem to beg for money, this is good for us. Fr. Guissani once said that "we are all beggars." That is right. Until we see ourselves as impovershed we cannot experience God's gifts as gifts. We presume on Him like spoiled children, who squander the inheritance. To grow in the spirit of a beggar opens us to the pilgrim spirit: a spirit that presumes nothing, but sees everything as a gift...good and bad alike. This is how God works in the world: through the good and bad alike. He proves this in the paschal mystery.

Third, we are evangelizing by spreading the word about our spiritual journey towards Sydney. And, we are taking many people along with us. This is good. We pray for all those who support us by their prayers and resources. This is good for us and for them. In all this we should reflect upon ourselves and our experiences of begging to appreciate all that God is doing in us as we prepare.