[Greek] παροικέω (paroikeō), [Latin] peregrinus, [Latin] morare, [German] pilgerin, [French] rester, [German] sich aufhalten

[Greek] παροικέω (paroikeō), [Latin] peregrinus, [Latin] morare, [German] pilgerin, [French] rester, [German] sich aufhalten: Lk.24:18, Heb.11:9

The Hebrews journeying and wandering in the desert.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term, meaning to dwell beside and to lie near.

1. Resident aliens were often perceived as barbarians with few civic rights.
2. This pertains to the stranger who lives in a place for a short period of time.
3. The non-citizen (neighbor) may be a resident alien with few civic rights, but living under the common protection.
4. Resident aliens, outside the Greek cultural sphere, were often perceived as barbarians (foreigners).

Isocrates’ Panegyricus 4.162: “For since the barbarians are unequal to small divisions of the Hellenes, it is not hard to foresee what their plight if they should be forced into a war against our united forces.”

Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 3.93: “The Thessalians were afraid that it might prove a very powerful neighbor and continually harassed and made war upon the settlers.”

Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War. 6.82: “Our kinfolk came against their mother country and chose to be slaves themselves.”

Old Testament: This term means to dwell as an alien and to dwell together.

1. The Hebrews (Israelites) themselves experienced exile and captivity.
2. The Jews of the Diaspora, while retaining their Jewish ways, became resident aliens in foreign lands.
3. Such sojourners included the Israelites in Egypt and the wilderness, Abraham in Egypt and Gerar, Isaac in Canaan, and Jacob in Hebron.
4. The Jews of the Disapora, while retaining their Jewish ways, become resident aliens in foreign lands.
5. The resident alien often forfeits both country and legal standing.

New Testament: This term means to sojourn and to visit.

1. The New Testament era, in welcoming both Jew and Gentile, removes the ordinance of circumcision.
2. Christians become fellow citizens of God along with saints and members of God’s household.
3. Christians are still sojourners walking in the path of Jesus.
4. The Church becomes a diaspora as it spreads.
5. The Christians, belonging to Jesus, also must sojourn in the secular and political world.

Scripture:

Lk.24:18: “One of them names Cleopas, said to Him in reply, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?’” (The risen Christ revealed Himself not only to the disciples but also to ordinary followers burden by grief and confusion. Their question opened the way for Christ to expose their incomplete understanding and to teach them from the Scriptures.)

Heb.11:9: “By faith, Abraham sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise.” (God has pledged Canaan to Abraham’s descendants and promised through his seed all nations would be blessed. Although Canaan was promised to Abraham, he remained a resident alien its peoples. The temporary dwelling anticipates the believer’s life in a passing world toward God’s eternal dwelling.)

The Martyrdom of St. Polycarp (155-157 AD) : “The Church of God which sojourns in Smyrna, to the Church of God which sojourns in Philomelium, and to all the dioceses of the holy and Catholic Church in every place.”

Conclusion:

Peregrine, pilgrim, pilgrimage, rest, halt, parochial, parish, moratorium

Resident aliens were often perceived in the Greco-Roman culture as barbarians.

By the early part of the 4^th century, the diocese was a well-established term for an ecclesiastical district. The Roman empire was also organized by dioceses. Although part of the Church, Christians are still considered sojourners on the way to heaven.

Update: Young people are now heading on a spiritual pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023.

Young people can often become energized by their experience from World Youth Day. But can these young people remain energized by their faith from good and authentic catechesis?

“Life is tough, pilgrim. It is even tougher if you’re stupid.” John Wayne

“We are travelers; not yet in our native land.” St. Augustine