We strode out in some of our new hiking gear, headed up
Scolty as part of our training for the pilgrimage walk we will be making in a
few weeks. We needed to catch our breath a couple of times on the ascent,
enjoyed the view briefly, and then headed down. Four km in an hour. Could we do
five times that length, day after day? Hopefully so.
I remember hearing golf described as a good walk ruined. A
pilgrimage is more than the physical exertion of journeying. It should provide
mental and spiritual space for rest, contemplation, and renewal. For that to
happen, we need to be strong and have the stamina to endure the physical
challenge so that our minds and spirits can soar, and not be tethered to the
ache of our thighs or the rubbing of blisters. I don’t want our pilgrimage to
end up being a good meditation ruined.
Paul talks about the spiritual life requiring training and
discipline. It’s tricky building those elements into our already busy
schedules, but hopefully as we discipline ourselves to undertake regular
physical and spiritual training, we will position ourselves to benefit from a
close encounter with our Lord.
Buon camino!
