Photographs seem to be out of the question right now. I will try to figure this out when I get to a place with better wifi connections. For some reason, the blog does not give me a photo option. I figure it is better and less stressful to write without photos than to not write at all.
Yesterday seemed to have a theme to the day. I noticed several quotes about pilgrimages. The first was a welcome sign to Cave of St. Ignatius: “Every pilgrimage poses a challenge for our inner being.” This pilgrimage has been about paying homage to a saint who also had ill health–I had heard liver but here they have said gallbladder and gallstones brought on by the severe penances he carried out during his transformation. He soon learned that God required none of these actions–only love and surrender. God’s graces were not earned but freely given. Nothing that we can do will stop the flow of love that God has for us. While we may not feel worthy of such a gift–we are. St. Ignatius knew this. I am learning time and again to know this as the ultimate truth and to desire to love too beyond that which I am capable of. Once we understand, that love pours out of us to those around us and those most in need of it.
I have had a couple of interesting interactions here in Catalona as I have struggled with the language which will change once again to a different language once I head north later today. The Spanish used here is different than in Centrsl Smerica and so my ear is having trouble tuning in. I am making an effort to use Spanish words, despite not having resurrected what little I knew prior to coming. In a conversation with the receptionist at the hotel desk as I checked out, he clarified that I had only had one supper. I had in fact had two, plus a tea the second night. He raised his eyebrows at me and then set about updating my bill. In the end, he did not charge me for the tea, saying it was on the house, because I had been so forthcoming with the truth. I suppose I could have feigned not understanding and saved myself some money but it was not until he brought it up that I even considered that I could have been dishonest in such a holy place.
The other day as I took the train to Manresa from Montserrat, a man befriended me and as we tried to have a conversation I found myself lost, understanding only a few thoughts. He decided to change to English after I confessed I was not understanding much about the language referendum nor the architecture in Spain. Even in my mother tongue, I still had a challenge comprehending his complex concepts and missed what should have been my train stop as we engaged in conversation. There were three stops, only one minute apart each, so the error was not a catastrophe and in reality, I thought I needed to go one more so was grateful that he mentioned I should get off when he did. He put me safely in a taxi in which the driver knew exactly where the cave of St. Ignatius was and took me to the exact door I needed. It is humbling for me to not be fluent in a language and I am very aware how privileged-thinking plays a part in my interactions. This morning the man at the ticket counter suggested that I speak in English. His English, like many, was so much better than my Spanish. My inner being is being challenged in many ways. These are some of the tangible ways but there are also spiritual movements spinning around too.
This brings me to the second quote I came across: “All those are wise, who by following the old path, learn how to travel new ways.” Last night, as I had done the night before too, I went down to the Cave after supper to pray. This time I prayed for me. That morning I had done my prayer time in the cave and contemplated a little on the nativity. I am unsure why I chose that except there is a beautiful image of St. Ignatius praying before Mary, who is holding the baby Jesus. I used this as my entry point into a contemplation. In my prayer time, I held the Babe who rested his head on my breast and whose tiny hand grasped my finger tightly. In this moment of intimacy, he smiled up at me, content. I have held countless babies in this position, but was, nonetheless deeply moved that Christ found serenity in my arms. In the evening, I prayed the Take and Receive prayer, placing all I have and possess into Christ’s adult hands. This Savious knows well the struggles of a human life, of an impending death, and the joy of the Resurrection. I can trust this One.
I celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday yesterday in the church where St. Ignatius prayed daily while in Manresa. On this pilgrimage, I have already walked through two doors or mercy, one in Montserrat and the other in Manresa. I pray that I may walk in these old paths wisely, learning how to walk the remainder of my life in a new way, with a new spirit and a new heart. This will be the challenge for me.
Peace,
Suzanne
Reflection Questions
What old path might you consider walking to learn something new?
How is your inner being challenged?
Prayer
Ancient One, reveal to us the secrets of the old paths. With each step of our pilgrimage, may we throw off all that weighs us down and open ourselves to the graces of the Trinity and the Holy Mother. Free us so that we may be your instruments of peace, joy and mercy. Amen.
And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find him. For he departed, and behold he is here. – Saint Augustine
My first steps of the pilgrimage are here, soon to be walking onto this plane. The miracles are already happening. I witnessed a woman around my age go up to a young woman who was crying to comfort her. Such an act of kindness! Angels are already all around me.
God in all things 