The title of “pilgrim” is more than a temporary label describing us when we journey to Santiago, Lourdes, Rome, Jerusalem, Mecca or the Ganges. It can also be an attitude, a way of life, the orientation of a sojourner in imitation of Jesus Christ.
His ministry unfolded on continuous journeys throughout Palestine and Judea. The New Testament even refers to his ministry as “the Way” (Mark 10:51-52).
Pilgrims know they are on the Way, even when they are in their own town.
The pilgrim identity belongs to all who recognize they are not home, quite yet. St. Paul says, “We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away” ( 2 Cor 5:6-9).
We are pilgrims because of our willingness to remain with Jesus on the Way of discipleship. We are pilgrims because we “walk by faith.” We are pilgrims because we recognize that all of life is a journey to finally be at home with the Lord.