Back in high school English, you were probably forced to read parts of a book you’ve now forgotten — Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Don’t worry; I won’t be quizzing you on what you do or do not remember of the canon’s Yeoman’s tale. But, at least, you’ll probably remember that this book is based on stories that might have been told by traveling companions on pilgrimage from London to Canterbury. Written in the 1300s, traveling alone at that time was dangerous, as robbers often lay in wait to attack lonesome souls, so, purely by chance, groups of diverse individuals would gather together to protect one another as they traveled. Rich and poor, educated and simple, royalty and commoners, the Canterbury pilgrimage was an equalizer as everyone was no more and no less a humble pilgrim, seeking spiritual help from God and fellow travelers.
So, on our Lenten pilgrimage, I invite you to seek out a companion (or companions) who will converse with you over these next weeks. You might ask a close friend, a spouse, a child, or, someone you don’t know so well; someone you’re related to, or someone you work with. You might widen it out to a group of three or four, but not much larger than that so everyone has a chance to share their experiences and growth. Let that person (those people) know you’re taking a “virtual spiritual pilgrimage” and would like to take this sojourn with them — no pressure, no proselytizing, no strings attached. You don’t have to find that person today, but hopefully, by next Thursday, February 25, you’ll have a companion who you can converse with in-person or Facetime or Skype or email, whatever is convenient. Next week we will offer some questions for your traveling group to explore together.
As you discern whom God might be guiding to you as a spiritual friend on this journey, I invite you to join in this prayer. If you have time today, take a walk and recite this prayer along the way.
Teach us, O God, to view our life here on earth as a pilgrim’s path to heaven, and give us grace to tread it courageously in the company of your faithful people. Help us to set our affections on things above, not on the passing vanities of this world, and grant that as we journey on in the Way of holiness we may bear a good witness to our Lord, and serve all who need our help along the way, for the glory of your name. Amen.
Looking forward, Fridays and/or Saturdays will be “travel days” for us. Plan some time in your day(s) to get out into God’s world!
Buen Camino!
Rev. Dr. David Chisham
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Good morning everyone, I hope all is well with everyone. It will be so nice, when we are all back together. Take care and be safe. May God Bless Y’all.
Thank you, Presley, all is well and God is good. His blessings this week greatly outweigh the hardships brought by the freeze and covid. Eager to enjoy personal fellowship again as well.