Dear friends,
One of our leaders this week reminded me that even if I have been thinking and talking about a pilgrimage, that is a foreign concept for some. She gently pointed out that this spiritual practice of pilgrimage needs some explanation. Point gratefully taken!
Christian pilgrimage is an ancient practice, a way of being with God by making a journey to a sacred destination. Early Christian pilgrimages were to sites where events in Jesus' life, death and resurrection took place. Later, pilgrimages included places where significant events took place for other disciples and also the Blessed Mother, Mary. The three main Christian pilgrimage sites are Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela.
There are many places and ways to make a pilgrimage. Our Lenten journey, especially Holy Week, is often referred to as a pilgrimage. Our Book of Common Prayer refers to our entire life as a pilgrimage. As we bury someone, we pray these words, "We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage." There is a wonderful opportunity for a virtual pilgrimage, see below.
One thing I am learning again about pilgrimage is that it requires a letting go of what is familiar, so that I can be present to what God is placing in my path. This is both an interior and an exterior journey. Of course, for those of us who follow Jesus and are commited to a spiritual life, all of of life is like that. Pilgrimage, though, is an opportunity to experience this with greater intensity and intention.
Tomorrow we hear the parable of the Prodigal Son. Here is a story with lessons about letting go, and not letting go! I look forward to journeying with you in worship.
Faithfully, Jennifer+
Rector's Pilgrimage
On April 18th, the day after Easter, I will be stepping out of parish ministry for a walking pilgrimage called the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Since I announced that last week, I have fielded a lot of questions. Here are some fun facts and other information.
- I'll be walking 490 miiles - St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago.
- The walk goes through mountains, plains, villages and cities.
- I walked this way in 2008 at a very different phase of life. It was the same time of year. That year my daughters turned 7 and 11 while I walked.
- I am going alone, but will experience walking with pilgrims from all over the world. In the evenings we will share meals and lodging.
- My pack will weigh under 20 lbs. (Hopefully!) In addition to personal items and one change of clothes, I'll carry my water and food for each day. Thankfully there are many stops for coffee, food and treats.
- Pilgrims stay in alburgues or refugios, which vary in size. Some rooms have 4 beds, some will have 100. I will have ear plugs!
- I will have my phone, but my number will be different and given to family members and a few others.
- I will set up an Instagram account and post photos along the way.
- There are many churches on the way, incredible natural beauty, interesting people and pilgrims through whom God will shine.
- People have been walking this path for over 1000 years. Their journeys and prayers give this path a mystical quality.
- It is a healing path and reverence comes easily while walking. Still, it is very difficult to walk 500 miles.
- No one leaves the Way of St. James unchanged.
