This morning there was a chance of rain through about 10 AM. So we waterproof everything and headed out. The terrain seems much flatter than what we’ve walked through before.
Throughout the morning we walked through harvested grain fields. It was a good time to be meditative.
After St. Lorenzo Novo, where we stopped to pray, we had a lovely walk in the forest, making our way down to the lake, exchanging forest for meadow. It was very different, and lovely, with the lake off in the distance, shimmering between the clouded shade and the sun breaking through.
Most of today was on gradated gravel road, with just a few exceptions, and the uphills, though sometimes steep, were relatively short.
We walked down to the lake where intense winds created waves along the shore, reminding me of the Pacific coast and home.
I am reminded, with only a quarter of the pilgrimage left, how often Jesus sent people homeward. In particular, Jesus said to the paralyzed man he healed, he said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home” (Luke 5:24). All in good time He’ll say the same to Fr. Jim and me.
Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick
Whether it’s for pilgrimage or leisure, I see traveling as an integral part of life, something to dream of and anticipate until it comes to fruition. However, at the end of it all, there’s no place like home.
From Tuscany, I remember the fields of sun flowers and Bshp J. saying Mass before dinner. I suppose I’m deluding myself when I believe I am invisible. I want to thank Fr J for not condemning me when I knew it was inevitable…. He left me room to swerve. You two make an excellent team.