“A famous story, often retold, illustrates what is implied in being a pilgrim on earth. In the nineteenth century, a tourist from America paid a visit to the renowned Polish rabbi Hofetz Chaim. The tourist was astonished to see that the rabbi’s home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a bench. “Rabbi,” asked the tourist, “where is your furniture?” “Where is yours?” replied Hofetz Chaim. “Mine?” asked the puzzled American. “But I’m only a visitor here. I am only passing through.” “So am I,” said the rabbi. We are all only passing through!”
The Restless Heart: Finding Our Spiritual Home in Times of Loneliness
Ronald Rolheiser