Day Fourteen - Santiago!

When pilgrims arrive in Santiago, they take pictures and mark the moment. But, many simply sit in front of the cathedral. We journey a long way- some for 500 miles- and have earned moments to rest in front of our destination. I noticed several pilgrims with their shoes off, which makes sense because feet ache after a long journey. But, it also seemed to me that there was a holiness to the moment, to the end of a pilgrimage, that is best celebrated with shoes off. Holy ground, perhaps…

It’s interesting to me that of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples, James seems to be the one least emphasized in Scripture. We know a great deal about his brother John and about Peter, but the Gospels tell us little about James’ relationship with Jesus or contribution to His ministry while he walked with Jesus. We know that he was one of the three that shared intimate moments with Jesus. But, he is quiet in the Gospels. Perhaps, his personality was not as big as Peter’s or John’s! Yet, here we are 2,000 years later venerating his memory and his tomb. I find something beautiful in that.

It’s been a lovely stay in Santiago after a challenging day of walking yesterday. I explored the cathedral today and received my certificate. A special treat: My first walking partner and I met up last night for a celebratory dinner!

Off again tomorrow for 5 more days…