21 May 2020

Faith Matters - Wandering

Article by Mr Brendan Nicholls

Faith Matters - Wandering

As we look forward to the return to face to face teaching we also look forward to being more active and being able to go to different places again. Some people have found the past two months limiting and frustrating. Some have begun new hobbies whilst others have found innovative ways to continue they passions. I recently read of a Russian athlete named Dmitry Yakukhny who due to COVID19 restrictions completed a 100-kilometre ultra-marathon by running around his bed. To avoid dizziness and injury he changed direction every ten kilometres! As restrictions ease in Victoria we look forward to be able to go back to our ‘normal’ activities. As we create a vision of these future activities let us contemplate what we may learn from others who wandered often throughout their lives.

St Ignatius is an excellent subject to consider at this time. During his recuperation he, for the most part, spent his entire period of convalescence in his room. He was literally unable to move and had very limited access to books or visitors. In a similar way to our ‘lock down’, Ignatius grew restless and dreamed of a changed future. He resolved to go on a pilgrimage guided by God. His long pilgrimage prepared and formed him. In travelling 630 kilometres he had much time to observe creation and converse with God. At the conclusion of his pilgrimage he spent many months in Manresa where he received numerous mystical experiences and wrote the Spiritual Exercises.

Interestingly, when we consider Ignatius and his pilgrimage we have an image of him toiling along the trail with his journal, sandals and walking stick. The reality was in fact quite different. For all but the last thirty kilometres Ignatius rode upon a mule as his leg was still healing and for the most part immobilised. After his time at Manresa his pilgrimage to Jerusalem was completed almost entirely on a ship. The image of Ignatius striding along a path is a myth of our making. Our modern understanding of his pilgrimage is incomplete and narrow.

Ignatius’ pilgrimage is not diminished due to his method of transport. His family were wealthy and he was able to take a mule so that he might complete his pilgrimage. The urgency of his desire to begin his pilgrimage before his leg had fully healed ruled out walking.

His long journey is barely noted in his autobiography but the time spent completing this holy mission confirmed his desire and transformed him spiritually. What we can learn from these observations is that pilgrimage is not about the length of the journey or how we undertake it. The critical aspect of a pilgrimage is the intent and desire required to achieve the transformation promised.

Jesus was a great pilgrim. Everywhere he went he walked. He even sometimes walked on water! Every step was intentional and deliberate. His desire was to spread the Good News and transform society completely. His journeys were often communal with the Apostles and disciples travelling with him from place to place. Like Ignatius’ pilgrimage the journeys Jesus undertook during his ministry are barely recorded in the Gospel’s.

In the Gospels there are only two accounts that focus on the wandering involved. Jesus’ torment as he carried his cross and the encounter on the Road to Emmaus. Although when considered even though the journey is described in some detail the key point in each case is the result; Jesus’s crucifixion and his affirmation of the ‘real presence’ in the Eucharist. What is recorded in great detail throughout the Gospels are the moments of teaching and healing. The key moment of the journeys recorded in the Gospels are what occurs because of it. Each of these occur because of a journey and I am certain that Jesus was present in each step and that every footfall was intentional.

As restrictions are eased and we begin being more active, or simply being moving again, resolve to change the way we encounter travel and exercise. When you start driving for work or to visit family or friends do so with an openness to the image of God found in Creation and each living thing. Be curious and actively seek God in your journey. Where are the traces of God to be found when you are driving to work? Begin your journey with a desire to encounter God.

Throw away thoughts of being late, delays due to road works or the fact that the increased traffic is ‘slowing you down’. Your desire will change a commute to a pilgrimage. Remember that Ignatius’ great pilgrimage was not about his method of transport but the intent of his journey.

For most people the activity of walking or running is conducive to encounter. As you exercise more often or in places you have not been able to for some time enjoy what you observe. Meet Jesus during this time. Listen for what God is seeking to reveal to you.

Regardless of the speed your exercise is completed at or the method of transport involved being aware during the journey is essential to living a life filled with encounter. God does not show up only in a beautiful sunset. He surrounds us and is found in all things. Even in the drive to the lookout where we see him a little more easily in the beauty of the sun set.

Remembering the journey is a lesson for life. If you remember the journey you have wandered. Wandering is beautiful and sneaky occupation. Wandering will without effort conclude in a transformative event or encounter. The simple desire to observe a journey will lead to an unintentional pilgrimage. With the desire to find God each moment and through observing with open eyes each journey and in fact every moment can be filled with God’s presence.

As we conclude Laudato si week I encourage you to go out and wander. You may have been inspired to get out and be active by Mr Philp’s ‘Virtual House Cross Country’ or the College’s ‘Camino de Australia’. You may simply feel cooped up and desperate to get out. Whatever the reason may be start wandering today. Seek God and remember each journey. In this way your life will become a pilgrimage made up of innumerable journeys where God is and was always present.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator

Feature

Events