Woe is me, that I am an alien in Meshech, that I must live among the tents of Kedar. ~Psalm 120:5
What does the word “alien” mean to you? In these days of immigration debate, that powerful word is loaded with negative connotations. Yet scripture often refers to the faithful as “aliens” — see the verse above from Psalm 120.
As the ancient Hebrews journeyed toward Jerusalem on pilgrimage, they chanted the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), songs that previous generations had also chanted. Many of the songs are about finding our true home in Zion. These Psalms can still remind us that each of us must make our own pilgrim journey — if not with our feet through the hills and streets of Jerusalem, then with our hearts as we seek the Divine One.
Each of us has our own reason to become a pilgrim, but we are often impelled by a feeling of distress or alienation. When I went on a Holy Land pilgrimage, I was propelled by the uneasy feeling that my faith had become shallow. I was so busy responding to the demands of ministry that I was becoming alienated from the faith that once fueled me.
What sense of uneasiness is propelling you this Ash Wednesday?
Prayer: Spirit of God, propel me on this pilgrim path.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
Leave a Reply