Our friends Joan and John had quite a time at the airport when they were returning from vacation. The details would be too numerous to tell here, but suffice it to say that in recounting their experiences of a cancelled flight due to weather, run-in with the agricultural "police", power-failure in the one hotel that wasn't filled to capacity, delay on the runway... I came vicariously to experience in a new way just some of the inconveniences and worries associated with the simple announcement we often hear on the news: All flights are cancelled due to inclement weather. I've seen pictures of people sleeping in the airport and being interviewed, but until Joan described her harrowing experiences, I never appreciated fully the impact of that simple statement.
The other morning when we were praying with our Sisters of Mercy Prayer Book, a word I've read many times "came alive" for me: pilgrimage. The Intercessions began: Our God shares the fullness of our humanity, and calls us to honor and care for all those who share the joys and sorrows of our human pilgrimage. We pray this morning for our companions on the journey...
And then this morning at Mass, Jesus instructed the Apostles in the Gospel: Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.
Anticipating a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, that word "pilgrimage" has taken on a whole new meaning with many new awarenesses. I've been thinking of what I need to bring on this long hike through Galicia, and "money, a sack, a second tunic, sandals, and a walking stick" would closely describe my perceived needs! I really couldn't imagine going to the next town or village and relying totally on the hospitality of the local residents. Of course, that's not what I'm called to do on this particular pilgrimage. But just anticipating and preparing for it has made my appreciation for this Gospel reading so much more acute.
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