Seen and unseen

Another lovely day for a walk.  It was brisk and chilly this morning, down in the forties.  Today's walk was from Astorga to Rabanal, leaving the meseta and heading into the mountains.  Uphill most of the day with a strong headwind as well.  This is Maragato country....wild, rustic, and hauntingly beautiful.  

At the edge of Astorga was this lovely chapel, dedicated to the Ecce Homo  ( Behold, the Man).  Today it was open, so I went in to pray.  On the side wall of the chapel were pictures and names inscribed for prayer.  I saw Denise Thien listed, an American who was kidnapped and killed on this stretch of the Camino last year. So I prayed for her again....that her suffering would be joined to Christ's suffering.

The next town along the Way is Murias de Rechivaldo.  I was really looking forward to the visit.  Last time, a little cafe there had empanada, the first I had been able to enjoy.  Pilar, the splendid, rugged cafe owner, had been very good to me.  I hoped to see her and delight in her yummy fare.  But it was not to be.   The cafe was still there....but no Pilar...and no empanada.

When I arrived in Rabanal, the albergue had a special going on bacon and eggs.  What fun!  Wonderful comfort food at the end of the day.  As I devoured the feast I thought of the many times with family or parishioners just such blessings had come to me.

Along the Way in life, there are often little reminders that cross our path that remind of the ones who are in our hearts.  Maybe it is a place, or a smell, or a word, or a sight....and in an instant, for a moment... Whether seen or unseen, they are with us. 

Thanks be to God for such rich blessings to touch and to fill the heart.  Buen Camino.

Astorga

Made it to Astorga today under cloudy skies with intermittent rain.

Astorga has a beautiful cathedral, that was good to pray in.  It is also the center of the chocolate industry in Spain.   So it was a sweet indulgence to take a moment to visit the Chocolate Museum, take the tour, and try the samples. 

As St. Teresa of Avila is alleged to have said:  God and chocolate is better than just God.  :)

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!