The Way: Parable and Reality
(This is a reprint from St. Stephen’s Church in Zabaldika)
“The journey makes you a pilgrim. Because the way to Santiago is not only a track to be walked in order to get somewhere, nor is it a test to reach any reward. El Camino de Santiago is a parable and a reality at the same time, because it is done both within and outside in the specific time that it takes to walk each stage, and along the entire life if only you allow the Camino to inhabit you, to transform you and to make you a pilgrim.
The Camino makes you brother/sister. Whatever you have you must be ready to share because even if you started on your own, you will meet companions. The Camino breeds about community: community that greets the other, that takes interest in how the walk is going for the other, that talks and shares with the other.
The Camino makes demands on you. You must get up even before the sun in spite of tiredness or blisters; you must walk in the darkness of night while dawn is growing, must just get rest that will keep you going.
The Camino calls you to contemplate, to be amazed, to welcome, to interiorize, to stop, to be quiet, to listen to, to admire, to bless…nature, our companions on the journey, our own selves, God.”
The Beatitudes of the Pilgrim (abbreviated)
•blessed are you pilgrim, if what concerns you most is not to arrive, as to arrive with others.
•blessed are you pilgrim, because you have discovered that the authentic “Camino” begins when it is completed.
•blessed are you pilgrim, if your knapsack is emptying of things and your heart does not know where to hang up so many feelings and emotions.
•blessed are you pilgrim, if you discover that one step back to help another is more valuable than a hundred forward without seeing what is at your side.
•blessed are you pilgrim, if you discover that the “Camino” holds a lot of silence; and the silence of prayer; and the prayer of meeting with the Father who are a waiting for you.
Much love,
Catherine
As a reminder, I am fully funded and not in need of financial support. If you would like to support me by partnering in prayer I would love that!
