RevGals Friday Five: Pilgrimage
From the RevGals blog
1. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? (however you choose to define the term) Share a bit about it. If not, what's your reaction to the idea of pilgrimage? I've gone a lot of retreats, all mostly local or within an hour drive. I've never gone on what I'd call a pilgrimage: a spiritual quest, a journey through my roots or a journey that is leading me some place new. If I ever have that opportunity I would love to go to: the Church of England ancient cathedrals (and do some genealogy), Iona (walk that "thin place" to island when the tide is out, Jerusalem (it is the Holy Land), Egypt (I have a fascination with pyramids and all things Egyptian).
2. Share a place you've always wanted to visit on pilgrimage. See above.
3. What would you make sure to pack in your suitcase or backpack to make the pilgrimage more meaningful? Or does "stuff" just distract from the experience? I always over pack. Too many clothes for every possible weather event in the region. At least I also wear all the stuff I take...either that or I need to stay where there will be laundry facilities. Or I need to just wear stuff over and over again (which is ok with some clothing). It also depends on how long I'd be gone. For a pilgrimage I'd hope to be gone at least two weeks or more.
4. If you could make a pilgrimage with someone (living, dead or fictional) as your guide, who would it be? (I'm about this close to saying "Besides Jesus." Yes, we all know he was indispensable to those chaps heading to Emmaus, but it's too easy an answer) Iona with Herbert O'Driscoll and Esther Dewall. England Cathedrals with, I'm not sure on that one...although it might be interesting to spend time with Robert Hooker the 16th century theologian who wrote the foundation of Anglican "Via Media" - the middle way. Or, and this would be a different sort of pilgrimage, time with Julian of Norwich, just praying and being silent and occasionally speaking. The Holy Land, with Frank Griswold, the retired Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He has done these in the past and they are fabulous. He has a wealth of knowledge and a deep spirituality.
5. Eventually the pilgrim must return home, but can you suggest any strategies for keeping that deep "mountaintop" perspective in the midst of everyday life? (don't mind me, I'll be over here taking notes) Bring home "icons" of the trip. Rocks from a special place (not too big, obviously). Or real Icons of a saint from the area, pictures or artwork. I like visuals that I can pray with or hold which help transport me back. Maybe a book, and if I were diligent, a journal.
1. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? (however you choose to define the term) Share a bit about it. If not, what's your reaction to the idea of pilgrimage? I've gone a lot of retreats, all mostly local or within an hour drive. I've never gone on what I'd call a pilgrimage: a spiritual quest, a journey through my roots or a journey that is leading me some place new. If I ever have that opportunity I would love to go to: the Church of England ancient cathedrals (and do some genealogy), Iona (walk that "thin place" to island when the tide is out, Jerusalem (it is the Holy Land), Egypt (I have a fascination with pyramids and all things Egyptian).
2. Share a place you've always wanted to visit on pilgrimage. See above.
3. What would you make sure to pack in your suitcase or backpack to make the pilgrimage more meaningful? Or does "stuff" just distract from the experience? I always over pack. Too many clothes for every possible weather event in the region. At least I also wear all the stuff I take...either that or I need to stay where there will be laundry facilities. Or I need to just wear stuff over and over again (which is ok with some clothing). It also depends on how long I'd be gone. For a pilgrimage I'd hope to be gone at least two weeks or more.
4. If you could make a pilgrimage with someone (living, dead or fictional) as your guide, who would it be? (I'm about this close to saying "Besides Jesus." Yes, we all know he was indispensable to those chaps heading to Emmaus, but it's too easy an answer) Iona with Herbert O'Driscoll and Esther Dewall. England Cathedrals with, I'm not sure on that one...although it might be interesting to spend time with Robert Hooker the 16th century theologian who wrote the foundation of Anglican "Via Media" - the middle way. Or, and this would be a different sort of pilgrimage, time with Julian of Norwich, just praying and being silent and occasionally speaking. The Holy Land, with Frank Griswold, the retired Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He has done these in the past and they are fabulous. He has a wealth of knowledge and a deep spirituality.
5. Eventually the pilgrim must return home, but can you suggest any strategies for keeping that deep "mountaintop" perspective in the midst of everyday life? (don't mind me, I'll be over here taking notes) Bring home "icons" of the trip. Rocks from a special place (not too big, obviously). Or real Icons of a saint from the area, pictures or artwork. I like visuals that I can pray with or hold which help transport me back. Maybe a book, and if I were diligent, a journal.
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