A train of thought....


For those of us of a particular age, if asked to caption this image, a proclamatory "Accio" comes to mind. Hogwarts and Harry Potter, the literary myths we and many of our children have grown to love and be challenged by. Wizardry of the story used by Harry and his friends for good. There's plenty of good theology in that engaging collection of books too.

This image is here for the benefit of the sighted , the tram  lines either side are raised wooden rails set into the floor. It designed to enable someone using a "white stick" to find the way, to locate the assistance desk at Bordeaux Station.

Of course, I am about to begin to walk in the footsteps of those living by what some would call the "Christian myth". This too is about living for good, in this case the good is the effect of living Christ-like lives. The faithful Christians and others seeking perhaps they know not whom or what, have walked the Camino for over a millennium.
Nowadays pilgrims, peregrino's and Peterson's, follow the simple marker posts to keep them safely pointed to journeys end. The end that is the "assistance desk" of St James, St Iago.
Buen Camino to them all.

Popular posts from this blog

A candle burns...

Image
In a peaceful ancient walled town in the Pyrenees candles burn, their holiness and their power seems enhanced by the walls and the atmosphere of the place. The image of Our Lady watching over them as much as the pilgrim gazes quickly, or reflectively, or at the least wondering perhaps, as his or her candle is lit. This is the first church along The Way after "signing in" at the Pilgrim Bureau. From here it is onwards towards Santiago, which seems a distant dream. For whom do the candles burn? Who will join their yearnings with mine? Who will follow? Who will feel blessed by God's response? Who wishes that they too could be doing such a thing right now? Questions, questions,questions, is this not the way life itself always is? As human beings we yearn for answers, we seek after "truth". Me, today, I pray that I may have what I need for the journey, that I may not be a burden to others and that those whom I love and who love me may be kept safe, and that all...
Read more

Carrion de Los Condes - further reflection

Image
The Albergue we stayed at was serviced by nuns attached to the parish church. In the early evening they invited any pilgrims who wished to join them for an hour in the garden. We were asked to introduce ourselves briefly, name, where we were from and what expectation we had or reason we had for walking the Camino. As you may expect these varied a lot. There were many nationalities represented. This experience turned out to be a whole lot more moving than I guess had been expected. When the lady next to me spoke giving her name and Ukraine as her country of origin there was a slight pause and then spontaneous applause. I wonder what that sign of solidarity meant to her? A few minutes later the nuns asked if anyone had a song to offer. A guy from Texas offered and took a guitar from one of the nuns and began to play " By the rivers of Babylon" in a blues style. He taught us the tune and we sang it several times. He had no idea what the origins of the song was. One of the nuns e...
Read more

Roncesvalles to Zubiri

Image
Here is a lovely picture of Burgette  Church in the snow, although you can call today really "rain day" as that it what it became. So rain kilt, gaiters and rucksack covers on. All road work again as the paths were too risky. Plenty of water taken and regularly consumed. There were beautiful views, snow covered trees and stuff. After my attempts at passing out the previous day my companions were helping me pace and ensuring we had adequate breaks. Around half way, at Viskarret a very small one room bar was found. Time to rest, a hot chocolate and an omelette with bread. Perfecto. One of my companions was clearly not well so was going to taxi the last part. The Senora running the bar was having no luck getting a taxi, so he decided to try the supermercado. My other companion suggested I might pray for our onward journey. I did, invoking the saints... Santa Maria ora pro nobis, Sant Iago ora pro nobis, San Miguel ora pro nobis... at which point the previously mentioned ...
Read more