Learn More about the Saints!
Browse All Saint Books
July 25 | Do Not Be Afraid (Pt. 2)
First Century
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he instructed the disciples to go to the ends of the earth and preach the Good News of the Gospel to the people of every land. At that time this meant the west coast of Spain. The known world did not extend beyond there, and that is where it is believed that Saint James the Apostle went to spread the Gospel.
Since that time pilgrims have been making their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where Saint James is buried. The road to Santiago de Compostela is popularly called “The Camino,” and the two most popular times in its history are the Middle Ages and the present day. In a culture drenched in hedonism and materialism, people are as hungry as ever for another path, a spiritual way.
We all need a pilgrimage—a journey undertaken for spiritual reasons—from time to time. It is good for the soul. Many pilgrims make a sacred journey to ask for God's favor in a particular situation, while others journey to a holy place to give thanks to God for some blessing in their lives.
Today I would like to encourage you to start planning two pilgrimages. First, I invite you to pray a little and dream a little. If you could go on a pilgrimage to anywhere in the world, where would you go? It may take you a few days to arrive at an answer, but once you do, start planning your pilgrimage. Even if you have to wait five or ten years for financial or other practical reasons, begin today.
The second pilgrimage I would like you to start planning today is of a local nature. In ancient times, people would make a pilgrimage to the nearest cathedral on a holy day. This may have required a journey of ten, twenty, fifty miles. With modern transportation, such a journey is easily accomplished. So, in the next thirty days, make a pilgrimage to a local church, chapel, shrine, or cathedral. Drive there, spend a little time in that holy place, and drive home.
As you make your way there, talk to God—perhaps there is some special intention you want to bring to him. When you arrive, spend some time in prayer thanking him for all the blessings in your life. And on the way home, rejoice in the life you have been given—all the people, experiences, and opportunities.
Pilgrimages create a powerful connection between God and his people. They banish our fears and fill us with the courage we need to live the life we were born to live.
If you want to learn more about the life-changing pilgrimages we offer at Dynamic Catholic, click here.
WHAT IS A PILGRIMAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE? WHAT LOCAL CHURCH OR CATHEDRAL CAN YOU TAKE A PILGRIMAGE TO THIS WEEK?
I will embrace my next pilgrimage.
This reflection is brought to you from book title.
Feast Day: July 25
Feast Day Shared By: Saint Christopher
Patron Saint of: Spain, Pilgrims, Laborers, Equestrians, Lost Souls, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Fishermen
Also Known As: James the Greater
Symbols: Scallop Shells