Tuesday, November 1st

Today’s pictures can be viewed here. Today’s prayer intentions: for true peace and justice in our world, and that people would desire to become saints.

What a contrast today was to yesterday! From the very outset today was beautiful and sunny. The weather is still cool but the walking was so much more enjoyable today without the rain!

We were given a choice to take one of two paths today. We decided to take the shorter one which is about 3 miles shorter. Of course the guide did not tell us that this way had such difficulty of elevation changes up and down! Sometimes the shorter choice is the harder choice!

As we were thinking today that it is All Saints Day, we also thought how in the spiritual journey sometimes the shortcuts are also the harder paths! The shortest path to Sainthood being martyrdom, is likely not what most people seek.

We had two surprises today along the camino. The first was a small village that had only three buildings. One of them as we approached has a sign in front of it and the doors are open inviting you into an art gallery.

As we were looking around a gentleman came to the door and introduced himself as the owner. His name is Arthur (Art) and he lives below the gallery. He is from England and he has lived there for 15 years now. I asked him what brought him to Spain and he said he walked the Camino and felt like he had been born again. He sold everything in England, bought this small home, and created this beautiful art gallery and prayer space for pilgrims as they pass by.

I was impressed with a small prayer area near the open window where I imagine he kneels and prays reading the scriptures. Before we left he offered to pray for us and as he did he prayed that we would come to know the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ. My heart was full of joy thinking that here is a man who is witnessing to pilgrims as they come by.

The other surprise we encountered was in the neighboring village where a group of people have created a “free living” commune. I met a man named Simon who seemed to be one of the key people there. He is originally from Australia but has been living there for 8 years. He said people come and live for a while and then move on. They had a little area with snacks for pilgrims asking just for donations. He even mentioned they had created a large labyrinth with quartz stones out in a field. The vibe was definitely “groovy”!

We made it to our destination in Sarria and were able to find a local church where we could attend Mass for All Saints Day.

As we prayed today for peace in our world, it struck me the two perspectives on that peace. For Arthur, he created a space of beauty and prayer. He is pointing people to Jesus who is the author of peace.

The other group has good intentions, and is trying to bring people together from all different backgrounds in order to let go of their differences and find a sort of peace and unity among themselves. There was definitely a lot of creativity there.. but also I got the feeling of a lot of chaos, a lack of order and disunity.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

To pursue peace is to pursue Jesus. Let’s continue the great adventure! Let’s become Saints!! Buen Camino ❤️🙏

Today’s pictures can be viewed here. Today’s prayer intentions: for true peace and justice in our world, and that people would desire to become saints.