Pentecost Pilgrimage

On the day of Pentecost, each spoke in a different language and yet all could understand and be understood. Many languages, one Spirit. Many expressions, one God. Each able to speak their own story and, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, understand and be understood.

This description of Pentecost feels quite similar to my recent experience along the Camino de Santiago where pilgrims from all across the world - speaking many different languages - gather together along one path. Yet each person is on their own journey, walking at their own pace, and seeking their own sacred way. When pilgrims pass one another, their common bond is understood and honored with the simple greeting, "Buen Camino!"

Basia Goodwin, co-founder of the exquisite Flores del Camino Retreat Centre, offers a powerfully simple phrase that I believe beautifully captures this pentecost pilgrimage experience ..."We walk alone together."

We began the mini-Camino portion of our recent retreat by stepping off from the front doors of Flores together - adjusting our backpacks, getting used to walking sticks, and ooohing & awwwing over the gorgeous sunrise. Gradually we began to spread out and walk "alone" - each at our own pace - yet we were always "together" in Spirit every step of the way.

I quickly discovered that my own sacred pace was going to be very, very, very slow. I had an inflamed big toe on my left foot (sesmoiditis, for those medical types among us!) and was hopped up on anti-inflammatory meds in hopes that I could walk even just a bit of the way. If I walked slowly enough, my weight stayed back on the heels of my feet and I was able to keep walking with no pain. However, if I picked up the pace even a little bit, my weight shifted to the balls of my feet and immediately my toe screamed, "Slow down!!"

At first I was frustrated that my pilgrimage was unfolding at a snail's pace. I couldn't keep up with others and "dive into" the Camino experience in the way I had wanted. But then, the Holy Spirit soothed my harried spirit and reminded me that my own unique pace was to be honored, not lamented.

At this gentle pace I was able to soak it all in. I gazed at the stunning landscape. I listened to the wind whispering in the pines. I savored the gift of fresh-squeezed orange juice from a Camino angel. I felt the presence of the saints who had walked this ancient path for centuries before me. Once I opened myself to what was rather than what I had expected, each step became a prayer.

After several days of spaciously slow and prayerful walking I arrived at Molinaseca. I was overcome with gratitude for every single step. I may have shed a few tears as I shed my shoes and socks to dip my weary feet in the refreshing waters of the beautiful Meruelo River.

Every pilgrim's story - every person's story, actually - unfolds in unique and beautiful ways as we walk the same path "alone together." Many stories, one Spirit.

My pilgrimage is not your pilgrimage. Your story is not my story. Praise be to God! As we walk "alone together" on this Pentecost pilgrimage of life may the Holy Spirit open our hearts and minds so that we might understand one another and be understood. Buen Camino!