Pilgrimage

The difference between traveling as a tourist and traveling as a pilgrim is a matter of approach. The tourist wants to see, to be in a new place and enjoy a new experience. The pilgrim may also seek these things, but the pilgrim is primarily searching for a meeting place, an encounter with the living God.

Pilgrimages have always been part of spiritual life. It seems we humans need to move our feet to discover where our heads and hearts want to be. Although the sacred is all around us, sometimes we need to make journeys to discover the sacred for ourselves.

Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vail, Colorado makes pilgrimage part of its life together as a faith community. Every year a group hikes to a view of the Holy Cross Mountain. They  follow a pilgrims's trail that was popular in the 1930's. They travel as a group and worship together at the mountain top with a view of the cross on the mountain-side.

How can climbing a mountain be a pilgrimage? Pilgrimages share a pattern. This pattern can be applied to labyrinth walks, mountain climbs , as well as trips to the grocery store! Once the pattern is in place, the place of pilgrimage is wherever you intend. Here is the pattern, simply stated:

1) Relinquishment. Going up a mountain is physically exhausting and in the effort there is a release of all the strains and stresses of life. It is an opportunity to prayerfully "let go" to God and relinquish all that is burdensome.
2) Centering. Arrive at the top of the mountain, rest and reflect on the vistas that surround. Be refreshed by the wonder of the view and be centered in gratitude on the wonder of the Creator.This center place is often where you leave an offering and where you pick up something to take home with you.
3) Recommitment. Head down the mountain and begin to prepare for what meets you in life and what you are called to be and to do.


Kari Reiquam