Pilgrimage
Dear Friends,
I wonder what you enjoy watching on television? One of the programmes I look forward to is ‘Pilgrimage’ which involves celebrities from a variety of contexts trekking together, sharing life and faith on the way.
The programme points to a reality – in a busy world, an increasing number of people are rediscovering the quiet gift of pilgrimage. At its heart, a pilgrimage is simply a journey taken with intention, usually involving movement both visible and within a person’s heart and spirit. It is about nurturing awareness of others, self, and for some, God. It is the journey that is significant as opposed to the destination.
The Bible often describes faith as a journey. In Psalm 84:5 we read: ‘Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.’ This verse reminds us that when we set out with God in mind, the journey itself can shape and strengthen us.
Throughout history Christians have found that walking helps create space for reflection and prayer. The writer John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, described the Christian life itself as a pilgrimage – a path filled with challenges, companions, and moments of grace along the way.
I value the insight too in the following story involving a traveller who met a monk returning from a pilgrimage. ‘What did you gain from your journey?’ the traveller asked. The monk replied, ‘I lost many things – my hurry, my worry, and my need to rush ahead.’ In losing those things, the monk discovered peace.
Pilgrimage does not always mean travelling far. Sometimes it can be as simple as walking slowly through familiar countryside with open eyes and a listening heart – noticing birdsong, trees, and the quiet beauty of creation – each signposts to the Creator. In fact on Saturday 2nd May there will be an opportunity to join a mindful nature walk from Over Methodist Church (a poster with details is included elsewhere in this magazine).
As Easter approaches, Christians remember the journey Jesus took through suffering and death to new life. After the first Easter, two disciples discovered the risen Christ walking beside them on the road to Emmaus. Perhaps pilgrimage still begins the same way – with a simple walk together, one brave step at a time.
With blessings,
James
Revd James Bamber
Superintendent Minister, St Neots and Huntingdon Circuit
Minister for Hilton, Huntingdon, Over & Sawtry Methodist Churches
Deputy Chair, East Anglia District of The Methodist Church
