麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Rev'd Dr Mark Clavier, Residentiary Canon of Brecon Cathedral.

Good Morning. Almost every year, I go on a long-distance walk. These have included in Iceland, Norway, the Alps, the Pyrenees, and from Grenoble to Avignon amidst fields of sunflowers and lavender. However wonderful the endpoint may be, it doesn鈥檛 compare to the days of walking it takes to get there. Pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, I suspect, are changed more by following the Way there than by their arrival at the grand old cathedral.

Here in Brecon, we recently launched our first Pilgrims鈥� Walk, a short route from our Cathedral to the ancient church in Llanddew where Gerald of Wales once lived. We鈥檝e marked stations on the way where walkers can stop to pray and reflect amidst nature and heritage.
Like nomads, pilgrims are always on the move. Yet by moving at a slow pace, they inhabit the land, soaking in the personality of each landscape they pass through. Perhaps they bless each place as well with their prayers and by their attention.

Pilgrimages teach us that by being mindful of each step along the journey of our lives, we can inhabit them better. We too often skip to our destinations鈥� like children do with Christmas鈥攆ailing to recognize that it鈥檚 in the journey that life happens. By slowing down, focusing on the present, and blessing that present with our prayers and attention, we learn how best to live.

A Pilgrim鈥檚 Prayer: 鈥淥 Lord, be for us our companion on the walk, Our guide at the crossroads, Our breath in our weariness, Our protection in danger, Our shade in the heat, Our light in the darkness, Our consolation in our discouragements, And our strength in our intentions. Amen.鈥�