Dave Dishman

The primary aim today of a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago is the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the bones of Saint James. Most modern pilgrims end their journey here with a celebration, a good night’s sleep, and a ticket home the next day.

But traditionally, pilgrims went all the way to the end of the earth.

Finisterre (the end of the earth), is a promontory stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. For years this spot was considered the western-most point in Europe (satellite mapping recently revealed another location a few meters further west). Before the discovery of the Americas, reaching this outcropping ended the journey—only the sea remained. After arriving, pilgrims burned their clothes to symbolize both the end of their pilgrimage and the putting on of a new life. Then they turned around and walked home.

To get to the end of the earth pilgrims must stay faithful to the trail. Today markers line the Camino de Santiago, making it hard to get lost. But even then one can get turned around and need a little help to find the way. Following the right path leads to a glorious outcome. I’m reminded of these words from King Solomon: The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

The end of the earth remains the highlight of a pilgrim’s journey. But the end of any adventure marks the beginning of something new. We all turn around and head home. Thankfully, we can continue to seek the way of the Lord—the path of the righteous—and enjoy our pilgrimage through life under the bright sun of his goodness.

Proverbs 4:18

Photo of a pilgrim at the end of the earth by Jen Phelps

Walking mile after mile gets hard with a heavy pack on your back. The first day I walked the Camino I loaded my daypack with all the essentials needed in case of an emergency: plenty of water, lots of snacks, bandages for cuts and blisters, a rain coat, a rain poncho, a rain cover for my backpack, a camera, a phone, a multitool with a blade and pliers, extra socks, ibuprofen and other meds, a small role of duct tape, and more I’m sure I’m forgetting.

All these items help in certain situations. But that first day proved bright, sunny and glorious. I found clean water to access along the trail and multiple places to eat. I couldn’t have gone hungry if I tried. The smooth path yielded few opportunities to stumble and fall. My pack grew heavier and heavier as I schlepped along so many things I didn’t need. The next day I reduced my load by more than half. With that light pack I’ve now finished eight Camino journeys.

With our groups we emphasize these words from Jesus: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I heap burdens on my back every day, whether it be family concerns or financial worries or fears stoked by our ravenous media culture. I pack my rucksack to deal with any eventuality. But do I really need to carry all that weight? Jesus promises an easier yoke, a lighter burden. I’m better, and the deepest part of my soul is better, when I release what I’m carrying and trust him with those anxieties.

How good it felt to take bulky items from my pack and walk with a lighter load! We hired a service to carry our heavy bags and they effortlessly moved my extra gear. It was easy. Jesus promises the same. His yoke is easy, take it on and let him cart off the rest.

Matthew 11:28-30

Photo by Sergio Kian

The last big hill before reaching Santiago is called Monte do Gozo – The Mount of Joy. From here a pilgrim can glimpse the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination. Ancient pilgrims, after walking for months and months from all across Europe, collapsed in tears of joy at the sight.

From the top of the hill it’s still three more miles to the cathedral. The Mount of Joy is not to final destination. But the joy comes in realizing the long and at times agonizing journey is nearly complete. For those of us who only walk a week, it’s inspiring to stand where so many people of faith have wept at the goodness of God in protecting them on their pilgrimage.

Many over the years felt the call to walk to Santiago. They trusted the Lord to make their way despite all obstacles. I think of this verse when I consider their devotion: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Trusting in the Lord yields magnificent benefits in our pilgrimage through life. He straightens our paths, gives direction at crossroads and lightens our load. Holding to God also opens up a view of life in his kingdom. Occasionally I even find myself on my own Mount of Joy, glimpsing a land too magnificent to comprehend, provided by Giver of all Joy himself.

Proverbs 3:5,6

Photo by Fernando Lazaro Diaz

At various points along the Camino de Santiago the traveler comes to a signpost reading Complementario, with an arrow pointing off the main trail. The pilgrim then chooses whether to move ahead, or take a chance on an unknown passage.

The complementary routes might take you by some Roman ruins, up through dense woods, or through a field alongside a herd of cows. Many are not as well marked as the main trail. Some are longer, while others provide a shortcut. You just don’t know what you’re getting. I’ve taken many, some I enjoyed while others didn’t seem much different from the main road.

Life gives us complementary signposts. Some of our decisions mirror those on the Camino. Shall I go this way or that? Either path gets me to my final location, albeit one might be longer than the other. Of course, major decisions may swamp us as we mull over the options. Stay with the direction I’ve started, or choose a complementary way?

I’m reminded of this teaching from King Solomon: In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. I plan my way through life. I have ideas and blueprints. But often the Lord presents a complementary direction. It’s not wrong, it’s just different. The Lord may have wonderful, undiscovered treasures waiting. Or, the Lord may send me though a field of cows for some unknown reason.

Either way, remain open to the signposts in life, and don’t be afraid to take the Complementario route from time to time.

Proverbs 16:9

Photo by pilgrim David Preston