Pilgrimage is one of those things that is rather an old fashioned or perhaps out of fashion event. The idea of traveling to a site as an act of worship and obedience or to seek something, usually healing, is not much in vogue now. We will take a short pilgrimage downtown to see a traveling show ala Neil Diamond but rarely if ever do you hear of someone undertaking a long, arduous, expensive trip to seek God or something from Him, at least in modern day Christianity.
So when I read Fr. Bodo’s words for pilgrimage, it was a bit puzzling as to how the words might apply in my life. If you’re not familiar with it – and why would you be? – here it is:
“I am not in control. I am not in a hurry. I walk with faith and hope. I greet everyone I meet with peace. I bring back only what God gives me.”
In general, the first four lines are applicable even in day to day life. The last line is, well, odd in response to everyday life. Especially if your calendar is over full, crammed tight, and has no margin.
How can I bring back only what God gives me? Am I even purposefully spending time with God so that I can receive from Him?
Or am I rushing through any pilgrimage time I might have designated as “Quiet Time” or “God Time?” Am I able to receive or am I giving myself check marks in the Holy Exercise Workbook?
It seems odd to redefine pilgrimage in a way that daily allows me to receive from God, to recognize Who is in control and to understand how I can rest and reset in that space.
Too often I am striving for answers and understanding rather than just resting in Him and the space I’ve sojourned towards.
On today’s pilgrimage, what am I seeking and what am I being given?
Lord God prevent me from picking up rocks and debris and litter on my pilgrimage. Let me only bring back what You give me.
Just Sayin' 