Post-vacation highs

After an indulgent and activity-loaded three-week vacation, it felt great to come home to my own bed and to settle down into routine again. Even going back to work feels good, I kid you not.

While abroad, my prayer life was a little uneven, although on board the Serenity, I managed to make it to mass almost every day which was a real treat. The rest of the time, I muttered many quick prayers of thanksgiving for there was much to be thankful for: fabulous late summer weather, no pickpockets, smooth travel on trains, delicious food, comfortable hotels, no mishaps, completed Christmas shopping and the kindness of strangers everywhere we went.

We got to view the magnificent mosaic floors of the Siena Duomo which are uncovered for public viewing only six to nine weeks in a year. Big time hidden treasure. Then I stumbled upon Antonio Ciseri's Ecce Homo in the Palazzo Pitti, which blew me away for this painting is very special to me. Supermega hidden treasure! (See September 8 post Hidden treasures)

We even met angels, Sergio and Carol, who guided us back to the ship in Venice and one named Alvin, who showed us Florence by night (so magical) and ensured we got the best views of the city, the creamiest black sesame and sour cherry gelato and the juiciest Fiorentina steak.

Thus it was timely that I had a weekend retreat just two days upon my return and could spend time in praise and worship, silent adoration and Scriptural contemplation. It was necessary to allow my soul to rejoice in Him, as the responsorial refrain went yesterday. 

It is ironic how I often think of prayer as duty, thanksgiving, intercessory or pure supplication. This weekend showed me again that when I truly open myself to listening to Him through prayer, He speaks with loving and reassuring wisdom, and even answers questions that are bubbling beneath the surface of my consciousness. I am amazed even though I should know better.

I was also able to process the recent trip a little better, unravel the mysteries of the Lord's beneficence and savour the gems I found, yet could not take time then to show due appreciation.

The gifts in Europe were many, but the greatest gift was how free I felt to be me because I was so centred on Him. I was not bothered by my usual hang ups, inadequacies or fears. I did not wish for more than what I received for I received much more than I expected and I was duly grateful. I simply was, and it felt really good.

Today in the studio A asked me which was my favourite city, I replied every place was uniquely beautiful. But what I really meant to say was everything was amazingly beautiful because Jesus was there, right by my side, the whole time.

To quote Saint Teresa of Avila: Solo Dios basta (Only God is enough). Even on vacation.

Holy places

It has been fabulous cruising from Barcelona to Venice with family and newfound friends, but it is the city of Padua (our first stop after the cruise) which has been a thrill.

Apart from the charm of this compact and very walkable city, the opportunity to visit the tomb of a real life saint, one I count on quite often no less, was truly a highlight.

The Basilica of Saint Anthony was, first and foremost, incredibly beautiful with frescoes by Giotto. Then to kneel and pray before the tomb of Saint Anthony was an extremely moving experience for me. As I laid the petitions of my heart, together with those of my many friends before him, tears welled up in my eyes.

I am thankful that in the Catholic tradition we have many saints to intercede for us and to inspire us with their lives. It boggles my mind that I have been in such close proximity to the places where they lived and walked: Mallorca, the place where Blessed Junipero Serra grew up before he set sail for California, Corfu which Saint Spyridon saved from the Turks, Padua where Saint Anthony's remains lie and Siena where in the Basilica of San Domenico, Saint Catherine's incorruptible head resides.

Today I depart for Milan and hope to visit the Basilica where Saint Ambrose's body lies and maybe sit in a pew where Saint Augustine may have sat.

There are also nameless saints who lived and prayed in the many monasteries and churches I have visited. These are all places filled with holiness, as my friend B would say, strongholds of Christianity.

Although I have done the tourist thing and gasped in awe at the beauty of these places, my biggest lesson is this: I can choose to live like these holy men and women who lived centuries ago. I can make wherever I am a holy place. All I need to do is to love God as they did - to live and move and have my being in Him, as they did.

Their greatness comes from keeping their eyes on God and following wherever He led. I must follow suit, lest I remain a tourist who gawks and clicks and happily goes onto the next attraction, satisfied to have ticked another place off the bucket list.

Nature and beauty

Before I left for Europe, I went to see my SD and he told me two things I could look forward to were nature and beauty. The created beauty of buildings and art would be eye and soul candy.

I went a little overboard in trying to pack in the sights in Barcelona (my poor Mum), we leave later today on a cruise down the Mediterranean, but it has been worth it. We have feasted our eyes and palates, and even had the opportunity to enjoy the local fiesta in Poble Nou (hidden treasure principle strikes again for who knew the fiesta would be there last weekend).

However, the line of people snaking round the Sagrada Familia (tip: get online tickets) and on the way to Monserrat (tip: take the first train up and get in line first, or go with a private tour) made us both want to give up, but we persisted and it was worth it.

What impossibly beautiful churches to gather in to celebrate the Eucharist. If only I could've had that experience.

I was reminded of a conversation I had with my youngest brother who felt the money spent on ecclesial pomp was better spent elsewhere. He couldn't be further from the truth.

God created a world of beauty so that we can find Him in the sights, sounds and smells of the earth, sea and sky. Inspired by Him in nature, we, in turn, pay tribute by creating shapes and forms that speak of the majesty and the glory of God's handiwork.

Why else do we create: write, sing or paint what stirs our hearts, for is it not God who moves us, whether we are aware of it or not?

Thus, church buildings and all interior embellishments are attempts to glorify God as well as to give worshippers a wow experience of God.

The Sagrada Familia and the Santa Maria de Monserrat Basilica are indeed testaments to human efforts that accord God the appropriate respect and worship.

Overwhelmed by the beauty of the churches I have visited thus far, I felt a heightened sense of sadness over the recent destruction of Coptic churches in Egypt.

Yes it is true that people are what make up the church of God, but the buildings where we gather to worship are physical spaces marked by grace, holy ground, not merely buildings of historical or architectural worth.

They bring to mind what Keats wrote: Beauty is truth. Ecclesial beauty has a truth that is especially penetrating, for it is meant to move minds and hearts toward God.

I can never hope to reach the heights of creativity that Gaudi or the countless architects, artists and craftsmen had, but like those who have gone before me, I will never stop praising His holy name in all I do.

Hidden treasures

I am right now in Barcelona with my mother on our pre-cruise vacation. We booked this cruise a year ago and it is finally happening. But because I have been preoccupied lately, I did not plan our trip well.

As late as the evening of our departure did I discover that I had forgotten to book our train tickets in Italy. Something prompted me at the last moment and I am most grateful. I believe that something was a whisper from the Holy Spirit.

So when I reflected on today's reading, what Saint Paul said to the Colossians struck a chord:

For in him are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Every time I have had to make a decision, be it which airline to fly, which city to visit or which hotel to book; when I would start to feel a little overwhelmed, I would pray, please Jesus, help me make the right decision.

My mother's comfort and enjoyment are main considerations. This is stressful, not because she is difficult to please, but because I want everything to be perfect for her. I can live with a crappy hotel, but I would not want Mummy to endure sub-standard accommodation, or awful anything for that matter.

Plus, this vacation was her idea, her desire. If you knew my mum, you would know that she is a woman of simple tastes and few wants so when she expresses a preference, I run with it. It is not often that I get to fulfil a wish of hers.

It has truly amazed me how in being led by the Spirit, I have been helped by friends, chance conversations with people, and, of course, the advice of many on the Internet.

The mystique of travel is the sense of adventure one has in walking into the unknown and making new discoveries along the way. Even getting lost or making mistakes can yield startling and delightful finds. Much like treasures not really looked for, yet found.

Our first day in Barcelona, yesterday, was a prime example of the hidden treasure principle. With no idea of what to do after checking in, I went with the recommendation of going to La Rambla, the main drag.

In our exertions wandering down the tree-lined boulevard, chance brought us to a church that was beautiful and, best of all, mass was about to start. Not only could I give thanks and continue to offer up this trip to God, but I could also celebrate the feast day of the Nativity of Mary with the whole church and pray for peace in Syria (as requested by Pope Francis). Oh, and the name of the church: Parroquia de la Mare de Deu de Betlem, Our Lady of Bethlehem. How's that for a God-incidence?

This was followed by yummy lunch, where we happened to sit next to a fellow Singaporean who advised me where to go eat in Venice. (Good local food is so much a part of the travel experience.) The restaurant we were in also happened to have free wifi so I could chat with my brothers, telling them we had arrived safely.

I look forward to the following days to see what treasures lie in store for us as we celebrate the beauty of nature and art. And I continue to rely on His wisdom and knowledge to show the way forth.