Faith should not be reduced to a specified experience of indefinite but finite and mostly short duration. This, however, does not hinder the usage of individual experience in its widest sense, based on the modest vocation to the Apostleship which we lay.
It is simply a question of different circumstances. It is not limited to 1 pattern, but to a very circumstantial intent and purpose. We must take into account that there are many paths of approaching God, understood as the eventual goal, within the framework of the freedom of gathering given to us by creation.
Therefore, I will discuss the issue of the patron of Spain and the old Christian kingdom of Galicia: James the Greater, who made the first preaching efforts in the Galician territories of the Iberian Peninsula and was called upon during the reconquist against oppression, against Islam.
I'm not referring to his vacation as 1 celebrated a fewer days ago. It is alternatively something which, given the interest in uncovering the Apostle's grave, has contributed to the improvement of fresh routes, communities and companies, under the first pretext of pilgrimage.
We are talking about these pilgrimages, under various routes and branches known as Camino de Santiago, which, through penance, sacrifice and reflection, service as a reminder of the relation between Christianity and Judaism.
The point is that the author of these modest words late managed to scope Plaza del Obradoiro in Composteli on foot. I mean, not as a short walk, but with quite a few miles behind.
It can be said that he "passed the Camino" (although not entirely, given the extended network of the Jacobin map). It is specifically about another sections of the French Road, starting with the city of Sarria in Lugo (a full of 1 100 and 15 kilometres on foot).
It is not known what future experiences will bring. We leave everything in the hands of the Holy Spirit, to whom we owe what will be a individual experience marking the Year of the Lord 2024. However, there are general comments that can be drawn from the experience of p ieligry.
Universality and diverse patterns
It should be understood that universality is inherent in the concept of Catholicism. This has nothing to do with those assumptions that individual would be “a citizen of the world.”
We are all children of God, created in His image and likeness, which does not mean that we must think and act equally. Equality in dignity is 1 thing and an unnatural pretext of egalitarianism, which does not respect any kind of dignity, is another.
We besides know that it is completely impossible for human action to be subject to 1 common model. What does this philosophical-theoretic synthesis gotta do with a simple pilgrimage, during which, alone or in company, we come into contact with nature and the agrarian environment?
As you walk, at your own pace, alone, you meet quite a few people. It could be said that this is the same thing that happens on the main arteries of all metropolis. True, but it is besides actual that abroad symbols (flags, banknotes, postcards...) could be found in many hostels and inns.
However, unlike what happens in other, more everyday, dynamic environments, here everyone had the same physical goal: to scope the Apostle's grave on foot, having long kilometers behind them. This does not mean that everyone thought the same thing.
The strength and work to travel at their own pace is not only a substance of avoiding bad distractions and facilitating interior reflection, which may besides be beneficial in any types of retreat and seminars of spiritual life.
The anticipation mentioned in the preceding paragraph besides proves that goals are not always the same, even if they may be guided by a certain spiritual awareness or approval of God. Each individual has his own justification that may be entitled (there may be a motive for hope in the face of wellness or social difficulties).
This does not propose that opportunities should be given to temptation and anxiety by evil spirits. This does not diminish hope, however, due to the fact that there are situations where, unconsciously, later on, events may happen that, for example, will aid man to draw close to God freely.
Physical exercise
The substance of pilgrimage combines various healthy sensibilities that be in Catholic faith. For example, dichotomy between ascetics and mystics. They disagree in same - discipline, mortification, and another sacrifices.
However, it cannot be denied that a spiritual pilgrimage is far from being a car way that caters for a passion for driving or a simple possible tourist desire. Pilgrimage requires walking and undertaking any physical effort until reaching a spiritual point of mention that is the eventual goal.
Therefore, I say that it is more feasible to benefit from the psychological, reflective and spiritual effects of the pilgrimage through leg and ft exercises in various areas for a long time... It can be said that physical exertion (reasonable, not any self-mutilation) is simply a tiny liable sacrifice that can be a appropriate reflection of spiritual sacrifice.
Having said all this, 1 can say that even present the experience of pilgrimage can be a origin of value. Moreover, in the face of the current phases of revolutionary processes, with expanding censorship and intimidation, conscious pilgrimage can be an act of heroic, healthy rebellion.
Ángel Manuel García Carmona
