We saw many beautiful church buildings in Italy made from granite and marble, filled with statues, mosaics, tapestries and paintings.  I can’t help but be impressed by the grandeur of the size and workmanship to create them.

I think Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the largest in the world.  Michaelangelo designed the dome which became a standard for many.  Peter is buried there.

The Duomo in Milan comes in as the 4th largest.  The marble on the front facade, I find the most beautiful of all the church buildings so far.

The Duomo in Florence rises above the skyline.  We paid 8 euros to climb the spiral stairs and saw amazing views over Florence.

San Marco Cathedral in Venice contains Mark’s remains.

The Cathedral of Santiago is the largest church building in northwest Spain.

After being in awe of these structures, I began to reflect, “I really don’t think this is what Jesus had in mind.”

St. Francis of Assisi renounced wealth and lived a simple life to stay focused on the Kingdom.  He lived in a hut and served from a little church.  Now built around the little church is a huge cathedral.  I do not think that is what St. Francis had in mind.

I then begin to reflect, “What does Jesus have in mind?”
What does Jesus have in mind for our life?  For our church?  For our building?  For the Illinois Mennonite Conference?  For Mennonite Church USA?

What does Jesus have in mind?

We who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can’t understand us at all.  How could they? For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel? But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 2:15-16.

Let’s build life in our day to day lives with what Jesus has in mind.

The Camino teaches about life

I felt so happy finishing the 80 miles on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela.  We arrived after walking what seemed km after km through the city.

Our last day on the Camino de Santiago

The gift of joy stayed with us even as it began to rain.  Our walking weather came to us as a gift since there most of the climate has rainy cool days from the influence of the ocean.  Of course some ice cream cones added to our happiness.  Then it started raining.  No problem.

We made it to the cathedral and took some pictures in the plaza as we finished our ice cream.

What a celebration for us to find the office of the Pilgrim and receive our official certificates!

What a journey...
The Camino taught us about life.

On our journey we find knowing.  We know the gift of creation.  We know God’s love in Jesus and others.  We know a walk with Jesus and his presence.  

On our journey we find wondering.  On the Camino I often wondered, “Are we on the path?"  There are many steps to take.  "Am I taking the “right” ones?”  We find so much to wonder about!!!

On our journey we know pain.  After 23km in one day, pain joined the journey for me.  We as humans experience many forms of pain - physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.  I’d sure rather not have pain join me when it does, but pain comes with our journey.  At the same time I know in the pain we have a healer in our journey with Jesus.  I know hope even in the pain.  I reach for healing on my life journey.  (Most mornings I remained very eager to keep the Camino going.)

On our journey we know joy.  What a joy to see our journey unfold.  We know life unfolds like a new spring flower.  We find many flowers yet each comes as a gift with joy.  Joy stirs in the celebration of companions on the journey - Church, family and the Spirit.

May all of us continue to learn and grow on our journey as we know joy.

Blessed are those whose strength in you, those who set their hearts on pilgrimage!!!

Worship with thousands and the Pope

Our family joined the pope and thousands of others this morning at St Peter's square for the 10:30 Mass in Latin.  (I know only a few Latin words from what I learned in choir music.)

 The Pope seemed pretty happy scooting around and greeting the crowd.

I remained happy with my little booklet with the worship scripture and songs.  The water I really enjoyed as I sweat it right out.

Camino Updates

7 days of walking and 109 kilometers/ 64 miles

We enjoy the beauty of nature and face the challenges with our journey to Santiago de Compestela.

Sunrise over Palace del Rei