The Camino Continues. November 19, 2012

Getting back on the EL after walking for six weeks in Spain was jarring. Still feeling the drag of jet lag, I walk around somewhat in a daze. I'm there but not really all there. And then I see a familiar face but it takes a few seconds for the recognition to settle in and ground me. We hug and I try to respond to how I was doing after such a powerful experience with words like "awesome" or "unbelievable". Nothing I could possible day right now can be an adequate expression of such a journey as the Camino.

Like the man in today's gospel, I want to "see" with clearer eyes of faith the meaning and purpose of a 500 mile walk. I want my responses to give credence to the somewhat tired cliche that I "walked the talk"...literally! That what I did will help others to journey on their own camino with greater resolve and purpose. The day I left on my camino, a parishioner wrote me that as she walks to work she will see herself as walking with me on her own camino. I will never forget that.

With the man in the gospel I hope to "see" more clearly the people and cultures and languages of my 500 sojourn. To see the journey rooted in eyes of faith is walking the talk. Why? Because faith compels us to "see" the inner workings of God in the people and events of life, a God who is the connecting thread that weaves together this beautiful human tapestry.

What does the man in the gospel do when his " sight" is returned? He gets up and shares what had happened. He "walls the talk" with the clarity of vision only Christ can give. Perhaps he didn't walk but dance his way into the kingdom. Buen camino. Padre