Saturday, March 28

Of all seasons, Lent is the most appropriate to undertake a pilgrimage. In ancient times it would have been a journey of unimaginable hardships; today it is of little hardship aside from the cost of transportation and comfortable accommodations.

The easiest would be a trip to the sites of our Anglican heritage in England, such as the great cathedrals in Canterbury, Durham, York and Salisbury. Visiting those great piles of historic and beautiful masonry is an inspiring experience, especially if one takes the time to sit quietly and absorb the spirit of the place. Even caressing a piece of stone filigree of a chapel wall can bring to mind the workers of a distant age who labored with great faith.

Better yet, go further to Rome where we find the many locales of the early faith and our catholic antecedents, too many to name but which collectively endue one with a sense how small numbers of simple folk multiplied into an institution of great power and wealth with the buildings and art to demonstrate that power and wealth. Walking through the few remains of ancient streets in Rome, or better, the rediscovered streets of ancient Pompeii or Ostia Antica, one can imagine the ordinary, working people walking to an early house church where they often had to gather in secret to celebrate the Lord's Supper.

Best, of course, is to go on to the Holy Land, that small piece of this earth which is, at the same time, holy to the three great monotheistic faiths and so often in turmoil, bloodshed and hatred. The pilgrim instinctively heads for the ancient buildings that have been erected during the centuries over the locations which marked the life of Jesus. Some locations are guestimates, others fairly certain; some humble and others grandiose; some of spiritual impact, others of little more than scenic or architectural interest. One can walk the Via Doloroso, likely not the actual route to Calvary, amongst the tussling crowds of tourists and faithful. Or visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where the contending faiths closely guard their piece of the building against unwelcome encroachments. Or, retreat to the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, and sit quietly overlooking the ancient city where ended our Lord's earthly ministry. It was under such gnarled olive trees that Jesus prayed to God that the cup of suffering be taken from Him. Think on it.

Dick Calhoon