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8/3/23: Today was a full day with plenty to see. The Pope arrived for the opening ceremony, and though I could not attend fully due to my health, I was able to head into the lively chaos for 20-30 minutes to take pictures and videos of the crowds! A very kind group from Spain allowed me to get close to the gate to capture moments posted below. (Please note that I am almost at full health! I am doing my best to take it easy to prevent any further complications.)
Today encouraged intense reflection on what it means to (attempt to) be a Christian in relation to Community & REAL Friendship. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this and the beauty that is our Christian Faith. It truly knows no barriers - no matter what language, country, or culture we partake in - we are wholly and completely united because of our faith in Jesus Christ and His Church. The love of our Lord is made visible all the more when these barriers are present - it is the only thing that brings us together. In some sense, I think it encourages us to ask this question: Why do I spend time around the people that I do, especially if they aren’t attempting to be faithful? What actually unites us? The passing vanities of this world will never be able to create a sense of REAL Philia. It cannot create REAL friendship because it is not founded upon LOVE ITSELF - not because us Christians aren’t capable of loving others who are spiritually far from us, but because those who are far do not understand what it means to truly love. We do not have the same goal of reaching Heaven. Even us Christians are still learning daily what it means to love, & are given answers through grace, prayer & the gift of the sacraments! This is why Community is so important!! This is why the Saints encourage us to have true friends in Christ!! We must help each other reach the heights of Sanctity, with the ultimate goal of eternal unification with Our Lord!
I was given a prompt here in Lisbon to pray for those who are far from Christ. We must always treat them with the utmost respect, kindness, & love! The best way to start is through prayer! I encourage you to pray for the same today, so that with hope, we may all one day be perfectly united in TRUE Love.
“We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” - 1 John 4:16
God bless you all! Talk soon :) - Gina
