One of the biggest problems in leading pilgrimages to Israel is that of souvenirs. The Promised Land is filled with souvenirs, even in some of the holiest of sites. There was always the danger that some of the pilgrims would be sidetracked away from the reason of why we were there, tempted to acquire souvenirs and hold up the entire tour. So that was the choice, either focus on the Lord or on souvenirs. You may never have gone on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but you are very much on a pilgrimage. Your life is a holy pilgrimage, because in the Lord, it's holy. So as a Holy Land pilgrim, you have to guard against souvenirs. Throughout your pilgrimage you're going to be faced with the temptation to acquire things: possessions, money. These are just souvenirs, but you can't take them home. The more you get into things, the less you'll be able to focus on God. So listen, pilgrim, travel light, resist the temptation, and keep your eyes and your heart away from its souvenirs. Focus on God. For you're on a sacred pilgrimage, and you only go through it once.
From Message #622 - A Guide for The Pilgrim
Lay aside those souvenirs (or idols) that have distracted you, and today take hold of the real treasure of your pilgrimage, Messiah, Jesus, the joy of life.
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21
