Art

Here are a few pictures of some of the art that decorates the walls in this albergue.  Looking at art specifically about the Camino by those who have walked the Camino is inspiring.  More strength for the journey. 

Q

A lovely, windy walk into Hospital de Orbigo....home of the wildly long bridge over the river Orbigo. I wanted to stop here to revisit one of my favorite albergues from my last Camino, Albergue San Miguel.  It is neat, clean, and with smaller rooms....so there are only 4 people snoring in here tonight.  :)  It is also home to a Camino art gallery.

The bridge has a marker commemorating Don Suero de Quinones, a knight of the 15th century who jousted 300 knights here in order to defend his honor. He then went on pilgrimage to Santiago.

I don't hear the name Quinones without thinking of Mary QUINONES Rice.  But not only her, but lots of parishioners of St. Matthew, and the many intercessions and petitions in my journal are in my prayers.  I may be many miles from the parish, but the Spirit keeps us close. 

On death

On the Camino out of Leon to Villar de Mazarife, this little chapel dedicated to St. James was actually open. Whenever I pass a church I try to stop in and pray. Many times they are locked. But this little chapel that sits about 50 people let me slide in for Daytime Prayer.

The two images on either side of the crucifix provide quite the contrast for prayer/ reflection. On the left is Santiago Matamoros.... the conquering St. James who appeared in battle to inspire the Christians to defeat the Moors. He deals death with a mighty sword. On the right is a pieta.... Mother Mary receiving a crucified Jesus. She grieves for all the sorrow that death brings.

The readings for Mass today provide a similar contrast.  In the first reading  ( 1 Kings 21:1-16 ), King Ahab and his wife conspire to kill Naboth.  They want his vineyard and won't take no for an answer. In the gospel ( Matthew 5: 38-42), Jesus tells us disciples to turn the other cheek, to walk two miles when pressed into service for one mile, to give to the one who asks. 

Violence is as rampant now as it was in centuries gone by.  People have tried to argue that taking life is something other than awful and wrong.  Yet the cry of Jesus to sacrifice for the sake of the other....the cry of the mother for all her children....points to another way to walk in life....to walk with our brothers and sisters... to answer violence with mercy...to answer death with life. 

There are no easy answers to the pain, suffering and violence in life.  But I think it is worth pondering... 

As I was leaving the chapel, I tried to bless myself but the little font by the door was dry.  So I took out my water bottle,  filled the font, and blessed the water.  Then back to walking....and praying on the  wonderful grace of life.

Take off the shoes

Most Camino towns have commissioned an image of St. James and Leon is no different.   Spent the day getting to this capital city and looking around its many churches and historic sites. Somehow I missed this image of Santiago the last time I walked through.  But I love it! 

There is a glorious feeling that comes at the end of the day's walk when the boots come off. Part relief, part thanksgiving.  My feet are tender and swollen from all the miles, but so far no injuries.  I am going to put my feet in cold water and get a little nap.  It's Sunday....so rest seems in order.

Another year

It's hard to believe that it's been 17 years since I was ordained a priest.  In the encounter with so many people who have crossed my path, I have been richly blessed and encountered our immense and merciful God. 

Gracias a Dios!

Explanation

There are times when the prayers of the Church strike like lightning and boom like thunder.

I spent the day walking along the Via Trajana, a Roman road that goes back to the days of Caesar Augustus. As I paused in the church after arriving in Mansilla, I prayed Midafternoon prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. The short reading from the prophet Jeremiah (verse 6:16) was:

Stand beside the earliest roads,
Ask the pathways of old,
Which is the way to good, and walk it;
Thus you will find rest for your souls.

This verse which I  have prayed many times and appreciated, today was the source of great joy, thanksgiving, and peace. I laughed aloud with joy for such a succinct summary of my day and my pilgrimage. The prophet is delightful in his instructions.....ask.....walk....find rest.

Amen.

Turned over

Another gorgeous day and even more splendid walk.  I covered the 24km into Mansilla de las mulas.  I often measure a day by the number of villages, the stops, and the yummy food enjoyed along the Way.  Today there was only one village.....a lovely long walk along the Roman road with the birds singing me along, the flowers brightening the day and the quiet to fill me. 

Last time as I walked along, the fields were all ripe with grain.  This year a good number of the fields have been harvested already and the ground turned over.  The contrast is delightfully stark.  In the cycle of the garden, the turning of the soil marks an ending and a new beginning. 

It's so important to give thanks for all that has been, all that's been received. And I think it a beautiful  blessing to wonder: What will come next after the turning of the soil???