Today we marched about 30k. We talked among ourselves and with other pilgrims but a good deal of the journey was also spent in silence. Usually a portion of our daily walk is spent in our own thoughts. Currently, we are walking through a portion of Spain referd to as the mensa, since it is just about as flat as a table. With little elevation change, there isn’t a lot to look at besides the path in front of you, the fields to the side, and the far distant mountain outlines if they come into view. Here shade is infrequent and it is very hot.
Among such bleak settings there isn’t much to do besides talking and thinking. Some even come to El Camino to think out some issue in their life or to make some big decision. Neither luke nor myself have come for such a purpose, yet, I find it hard to avoid the expectation of grandiose thoughts and break through moments. The Camino has challenged me to live more simply, to trust in God’s providence, and to just enjoy life, but there have not been any large realizations or great discoveries. What I have learned, I have learned by the little things: the difficulties, conversations, silence, and joys throughout the day. I am reminded of the eloquence of the ordinary things if only we take some time to listen. God speaks to us through our surroundings, whether that is the mensa of Spain or our own houses and work places. I have given up my earlier hope for great ideas and have settled for the beauty of the littler thoughts that present themselves to me.
Sometimes, you just run out of things to think about. In the heat and the tiredness it brings, it can also become difficult to pray. In such cases, i have found it helpful to pray the Jesus prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” This short prayer originates from the East and some Church Fathers teach that it is a summary of the Gospel. It is meant to be repeated in large numbers to foster meditation and it really does! Even if I am not able to reflect on its meaning or a specific part of it, the simple prayer allows me to call to mind the presence of God, his bountious love, and my need for him. We learned about the prayer in our spirituality class this last semester “Life of the Soul” with Dr. Cimoreli. We had the option to pray it 500 each day for a week to get a feel for it, but both Luke and I chose a different option to fulfill the assignment . We are now catching up on the opportunity and enjoying it.
Lastly, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, I woukd like to give a shout out to Dcn. Joseph Baker who will be ordained a priest tomorrow, Friday. We’re sorry that we can’t make it but will be keeping him in our prayers. Please do the same as he prepares for such a special day for him and the local Church of Madison. If you wish to attend the ordination, it will be at St. Maria Goretti Church at 7:30pm on Friday, tomorrow.
-Michael
Let me be the first to wish Luke a happy 21st birthday. God’s blessings for a wonderful year! Wow, this is one you will always remember. I hope you have a great day and good weather. I am enjoying reading your blog whenever there is a new post. I am very proud of both of you for doing this journey at this time in your life.