One is embarking on a strange journey: Reflections after 500 miles (Part Two)

Now that I have completed my Camino and have started to look back on my experience for a few days, I have come to realize that the most important and, in Idle’s words, “strange” part of my journey is just beginning: the journey of reflection. One could fill a small library with books of people’sContinue reading “One is embarking on a strange journey: Reflections after 500 miles (Part Two)”

One will be named: Reflections after 500 miles (Part One)

We walked into Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday afternoon.  500 miles done!   I set out on the Camino with two goals.  First, I wanted to take on the physical challenge of walking 500 miles.  Second, I wanted to raise money for Episcopal Relief & Development’s work with children.  Both of those goals have been achievedContinue reading “One will be named: Reflections after 500 miles (Part One)”

One is searching: Reflections at 400 miles

As I cross the 400-mile mark, I’ve been reflecting on Idle’s idea that on a pilgrimage one is searching.  Certainly, the Three Magi were searching for the baby Jesus.  What are other people searching for as they walk the Camino? One of the surprising aspects of walking the Camino has been the number of youngContinue reading “One is searching: Reflections at 400 miles”

One will be claimed: Reflections on making it halfway

Today I officially passed the halfway point on my Camino to Santiago de Compostela.  There are fewer than 250 miles to go.  As I’ve been walking, I’ve been stopping at churches along the way.  When I stopped at Nuestra Señora de Monasterio Chapel, I was welcomed by a sister from the Daughters of Charity.  SheContinue reading “One will be claimed: Reflections on making it halfway”

One will be lost: Reflections on the first 100 miles

Between Los Arcos and Logroño, I passed the 100-mile mark on my Camino.  I’m officially at 110.4 miles.  That feels good.  If I can do this much, I think I can do the entire thing.   As I’ve been walking, I’ve thought quite a bit about Christopher Idle’s Epiphany hymn, mentioned in my previous post.  InContinue reading “One will be lost: Reflections on the first 100 miles”

Walking and Pilgrimage

Not far from where we stayed in Crete this summer, approximately 50 footprints were found in soft calcite clay sediment.  The rock was dated by examining microfossils in surrounding rocks to 6.05 million years ago, at the start of the Messinian Age.   The scattered footprints are believed to have been made by a close relativeContinue reading “Walking and Pilgrimage”

Juneteenth

Today, June 19th, marks the anniversary of the day Texas abolished slavery in 1865.  Several states, including Texas, recognize it. The Federal Government has also recognized “Juneteenth Independence Day,” although it is not an official Federal holiday. Perhaps of more consequence, Apple added Juneteenth to the list of official U.S. holidays this year.  I’m embarrassedContinue reading “Juneteenth”

Twenty characteristics that make a genius

In keeping with my desire to observe Advent by seeking out beauty (see my November 28th post) and my fascination with Salvator Mundi (see my November 14th post), I just finished reading Walter Isaacson’s masterful and insightful biography of Leonardo Da Vinci.   Isaacson concludes his book by identifying twenty characteristics that make a genius.Continue reading “Twenty characteristics that make a genius”

Servants of God: St. Nicholas & Bishop Paul Jones

On Wednesday, December 6th, Episcopal Relief & Development, the organization I have the privilege of leading, marks the anniversary of its founding. It also happens to be St. Nicholas Day. That is a happy coincidence and provides an opportunity to reflect on the values that shaped St. Nicholas’ life and inform the work of EpiscopalContinue reading “Servants of God: St. Nicholas & Bishop Paul Jones”