Over the years, I have traveled to many holy sites, including the Holy Land, Rome, Assisi, and various historic Marian shrines. Of all the places I have visited, the one that stands out the most is the Marian shrine at Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a place I have visited five times. Why? Because of a deep, all-pervading sense of peace that reigns in the whole town. When I am there, I wish that I would never have to leave.
My desire to stay in Medjugorje is perhaps similar to Peter's desire to stay on the mountain with Jesus. He experiences an intimation of Heaven -- of the glory, the beauty, the joy, and the peace that await us in eternity. But much like I have always had to return from Medjugorje to the day-to-day vicissitudes of life, Peter too must come down from the mountain and face what is to come next.
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