Why are you on the way? This is a question I tried to ask and was frequently asked on the way. The Europeans think that Americans are coming because of Martin Sheen. It surprises them that I have come for traditional reasons-- to do penance for my sins and to pray for those I love. Some of them then disclose that they are there for the same reasons...but only a very few.
My favorite answer came from a small woman with a slow and painful limp from a far away and non-Christian country. As her 500 mile trek of 35 days was coming to an end this morning, I caught up with her and asked her my question. Annoyed at what should have been obvious to me, she retorted "Because it is there."
Like this woman, many on the way see the Camino as a physical feat like climbing a mountain. Others enjoy meeting people from all over the world, even Americans like me. They are hungry for real connections. There are also entertainment tourists, bon vivants, with an appetite for hedonistic pursuits. Still others cannot or will not articulate what draws them... But something (or Someone) is.
I have wondered how to speak a word of truth, a true word of life into this. It is more than a matter of knowing what to say and when to say it. Sometimes, silence itself speaks more than any word conveys. Early on, one pilgrim was annoyed when after rejecting my offer to help I told him he would be in my prayers. Today when I saw him in the Cathedral, he spontaneously grabbed my hand and thanked me for my prayers. Will there be moments like that in heaven?
There are moments of authenticity when a soul discloses itself. These moments are more frequent on pilgrimage because it is demanding and we touch our poverty in the difficult situations that come up. What reverence and respect is called for in these fleeting moments! And yet the slightest gesture or simplest word plants a seed....a hope where it is most needed.
As an American life-long Catholic who lacks to the resources to travel outside the country I appreciate you posting this perspective on something I won't experience. But as usual for me I get caught up in trivial things sometimes. In this case although I know who Martin Sheen is but no have idea why he is associated with pilgrimage. (I know I know I live in a media bubble) Using the internet and authoritative Wikipedia I now know why. More importantly I found out more about Sheen who I was disposed not to like much before reading about him. I may disagree with some of his political views but found the description of him to be unique for liberal public figures. Thank you for writing this article.
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