Day 33 on the Camino Way

Did We See The Light?

We are asked if we’ve experienced any kind of spiritual transformation on our journey. The answer to questions like this are always complicated. Yes and no, of course. First and foremost it is important to simply say that we were not looking for or expecting a deep spiritual experience. Honestly, we feel well connected to God and to the person of Jesus through the workings of the Holy Spirit. There, I was able to get all three in, because they all belong in, don’t they?

God is Good With Us

This will sound arrogant or smug maybe, but Sally and I feel as if God is pleased with us. We both would say that as concerns our relationship with Jesus, we are good with Jesus and Jesus is good with us. And we like Jesus, at least the Jesus that we connect with through both our sacred text and with our experience. We think well of Jesus and we think Jesus thinks well of us.

We are grateful for all of the experiences we’ve had, all the people we’ve met, and especially the friendships we’ve forged with our three companions during the first two weeks—Susanne and Bob VanDyk Jordan and Leanne VanDyk.

Sally and I had deep and meaningful conversations along the way. We processed some past tough times in our marriage, but only briefly, and with great care for each other. Mostly, we dreamed about what can be next in our life together, what other adventures might be possible. And we discussed our roles in the lives our our children and grandchildren. What legacy do we hope to build, and on what foundations already laid? This is important to us.

Hello Silence My Old Friend

Side by side, we walked in silence for hours, comfortable in knowing we could be together without working at being together. I can say that the miles of quiet were some of the best miles I walked. How often in life are you able to still your soul and allow random thoughts to invade your consciousness? For me, this was a wonderful experience, and maybe you could consider it spiritual.

Violent Church Scenes

I loved the churches as much as anything else in this journey. However, as we stopped by dozens of them, I became aware of how violent the images are in our faith tradition. The scenes of Jesus’ suffering and death were starkly presented in every church. Mary’s heart was pierced in dramatic fashion. We saw beheadings and spears trust through the martyrs of the church. I wonder how children view these paintings and sculptures.

And, of course, I’m aware of how violent the Old Testament is, and the presentation of God as being like David for example. David was like a mafia don in the way he did his business. My worry is that we like the idea of God being like David only because this God is on our side and will do whatever is necessary so that we remain in charge. I think a lot on these things in today’s political climate.

Thank God for Jesus, Yeah?

I do take solace in the fact that David and Jesus don’t have a lot in common, save of course a shared ancestry. The violence depicted in these churches is violence done TO Jesus not BY Jesus. I find that comforting.

Buen Camino!