Pilgrimage
The debate continued within me. Do I go or do I stay home? How could I give up an entire day when I had so much to accomplish this week? Would the trip even be worth the time and money?
This past Tuesday I awoke to a very windy and rainy morning. The forecast was much the same for St John, Indiana. Not a fit day for any outside activity, but I had a bus to board and the Shrine of Christ’s Passion to visit. I had argued internally that I could make this trip another time, when my to-do list was not so long, not to mention choosing a day with clear weather! The problem was I had been talking about visiting the Shrine for a number of seasons and it had not happened yet.
After registering a month ago for the event and mailing my check for the bus and luncheon, I began to look forward to the trip. I stopped worrying about how I would meet my (self-imposed) deadlines and responsibilities for the week. I anticipated the joy of traveling with friends and experiencing the shrine.
It was, in fact, a lovely experience. Although the rain came with us from Illinois, the precipitation ceased during the hour our group walked the outdoor Stations. Our docent informed us that two other groups scheduled for that day had cancelled due to the weather forecast. We felt especially blessed by our rain-free window of opportunity.
From the table of the Last Supper to the Garden of Gethsemane, following the Way of the Cross, uphill to Calvary, we silently prayed while marveling at details of the life-size bronze statues. As we approached Christ’s empty tomb, a light mist fell, and we huddled together within the cave. It gave me chills to see the burial shroud crumpled on a stone ledge and the cloth napkin folded in the corner, reminding me He would return. We barely noticed the light drizzle as we reached the culmination of our journey, the glorious bronze statue of Christ’s Ascension. We returned to the visitors’ center for lunch before the rain began again in earnest. Even the weather reflected the solemnity and sorrow of the Stations of the Cross.
My takeaways from this experience were not huge revelations, but rather necessary reminders: take the time to get away from my daily routine; don’t sweat the small stuff; don’t get so wrapped up in my to-do lists and my own self-importance; marvel at and appreciate all He has created, including the weather; God is present in all my moments, big and small—acknowledge Him! And finally, without a doubt: Jesus Christ suffered and died out of love for us.
A pilgrimage is defined as a journey to a holy place. I was struck by the thought that every day we should acknowledge we are on a pilgrimage. Not only as pilgrims on a journey with a purpose…to help each other bear the load and arrive at our heavenly home someday…but every day should be a pilgrimage toward that holy place in our hearts where we meet, speak with, and listen to our God.
If you are interested in more information on the Shrine of Christ’s Passion:
