The path ahead

My dear friend Carolyn delights in Holy Communion when it is presented “pilgrim style:” Those participating in the sacrament walk to the front of the church single file where they receive bread and wine from the officiant and assistant. She says it embodies phrase “communion of saints” for her, and she imagines those who have gone ahead stretching out before her in a long line, the end of which she cannot see; and those who will follow stretching out behind.

Her image has new meaning for me on the Camino. When we start out each morning, we can see a line of pilgrims walking ahead of us: singles, couples, groups. As the day wears on, the groups spread out and you might find yourself isolated on the way. But in the morning, you can see the people ahead of you. That sight offers some reassurance for me, that I have not yet taken a wrong turn, that I’m on the right path.

This morning, it occurred to me that the pilgrims behind me on the path may view me the same way that I view the pilgrims ahead of me: someone who knows where the path leads.

Of course, in a metaphorical sense, I don’t know where this path will lead, or even that I’ll recognize that I’ve arrived when I get there. But for a few minutes every day, I’m reassured that I’m on the right path.

Sunrise west of Los Arcos, September 8

Sometimes, you just have to change your perspective. Our route takes us mostly south and west, and so you only see the sunrise if you turn around and look. 

That’s one big puppet! From the Our Lady of the Snow fiesta parade, Viana, Spain, September 8

The distinctive boom of fireworks greeted us when we walked into Viana today. Within a few moments we were caught up in the fiesta parade featuring enormous puppets and a marching band. As near as I can tell, they’re celebrating Our Lady of the Snow, although there appears to be some bull-fighting on the agenda in the future as well. I’m not sure how the two mix. It’s a five day festival and if we had all the time and money in the world, we might stay to see it through. But Santiago calls, and we’ll be on our way in the morning.