The following blog is a reflection from Bishop Frank Caggiano, originally written in January 2018, during our Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The reflection originally appeared on Bishop Frank’s Facebook page, and details his experience praying in the Basilica of the Annunciation.
It is said that “man proposes and God disposes.” My experience in the Holy Land since my arrival has proven this saying to be true in the most mysterious ways.
Today our young adult pilgrims are on their way to Galilee, to visit Capernum, the site of Peter’s confession of faith, to take a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee and to visit the Mount of the Beatitudes. I was unable to accompany them because of an upset stomach that began yesterday while we were visiting Cana. In fact, for the first time in my entire priesthood, I was unable to complete the celebration of Mass because of my stomach distress. As a result, today I needed to remain behind at the hotel which was initially very disappointing. However, I sense that the Lord is inviting me to walk a different path- to follow his plan and not mine.
More specifically, I sense that He is asking me to spend this afternoon with Our Lady, in quiet and prayer, at the Basilica of the Annunciation. This invitation takes on even greater importance since today is also the 7th anniversary of my mother’s death. While I miss being with the pilgrims, I have the opportunity to spend time with my two mothers, which I will do freely and gratefully. For if discipleship is rooted in the need to discern and follow God’s will at every moment of our life, what we may propose for our day is never as important as what God may wish us to do.
“Let it be done to me as you will.” These words have special meaning for me today. May they do so every day of my life.
