drawn a line between pilgrimage and religious tourism and study tours. Both tourist and pilgrim may visit the same ancient church; it may be of spiritual import for one while for the other it may be of historical, cultural or social interest. Tourism is an escape from one’s own everyday life into something out of the ordinary and often entertaining, whereas, pilgrimage is a journey that is rich in symbolism, toward a definite goal. A pilgrim travels toward a shrine as to “the house of the Lord,” that is, toward the symbolic house of the Lord, which is in Heaven. Thus, symbolism is the specific element that distinguishes pilgrimage from tourism. A symbol is something containing two truths: one on the level of reality and the other on
to be addressed. As in the case of all travel to foreign lands, becoming somewhat familiar with the country, its common features, even its monetary system and similar matters, is recommended. Many group leaders use multimedia materials to prepare their followers. Slides and illustrations bring the places to life, and many people feel more confident seeing pictures of the sites they are going to visit. Materials are available from the Israel Ministry of Tourism and the branches of the Israel Government Tourist Office in a number of major cities around the world, and the Ministry’s website (new.goisrael.com), available in a large and growing number of languages, is also an excellent resource.
the level of the conveyed meaning. A pilgrimage is a symbolic act: a symbolic journey toward God. “O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul is thirsting for you like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory” (Psalms 63, 2-3). For those that believe, life is a journey, a pilgrimage. While their life may be firmly anchored in reality, which is in history, it is a journey at the same time, a pilgrimage toward salvation. As opposed to tourism, where the specific
destination is less important than the experience and the fun most of the time, pilgrimage is a spiritual practice, a journey toward a specific spiritual goal, reminding believers that growing closer to God is the sacred purpose of life. For all that undertake it, pilgrimage is a spiritual search for inspiration as well, a strengthening of faith, a renewal of bonds and vows and an opportunity to grow closer as a Church or a congregation. Preparations Since the actual time spent in the Holy Land is usually relatively short, preparations are an important element to the success of a pilgrimage tour. Preparation for a pilgrimage can be done on an individual basis, but also as part of a group, either by discussing religious and spiritual matters and/or actually getting together to plan the trip. This is a period of study and reflection, discussion and prayer, but practical issues also need
Being Present A pilgrimage can change one’s life forever. For many, it is the fulfillment of a once-in-a-lifetime dream. But even for those fortunate enough to return, maybe several times, every visit rekindles the miracle of the place. Man does not live by bread alone. The food of the soul and the spirit awaits replenishment, and it is here, in the holy places of Israel, that body and soul come together to be whole, a glorious oneness with God. Who can fully understand the power of the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13; 31), until they have seen a field of mustard in full bloom by the Galilee roadside? How can you explain the beauty of the parable of the sower if you have never seen the earth of the Galilee with its beautiful, deep reddish brown hues and the multitude of rocks interspersed in it? Can you understand the irony and message of the story of the pigs of Gadara if you have never stood on the shores of the Sea of Galilee? What can be more dramatic than reciting the passage
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