Last year on the eve of Saint James' feast day, Genevieve, Marion and I sat devouring delicious freshly made churros and rich chocolate in the busy little town of Melide, 59 kilometers outside of Santiago. We were tired but anxious as James was drawing us near and the news of his feast day celebration was reverberating all up and down the camino.
This year on the eve of Jim's feast day, I sat in the beautiful lakeside village of Bolsena, 140 kilometers from Rome, watching life happen in the central square. As I sat, reveling in the warmth of the sun and the joy of living, a thousand miles away a train derailed outside of Santiago, killing nearly 80 people many of whom were pilgrims.
"I just don't get it guys!!!?? What is the grand plan here??"
Saint James spoke in a soft voice mirroring the sadness in his eyes, "Oh Jen, are you savoring each step? Are you smelling each beautiful flower, are you putting your hands on the stone church walls and feeling the heartbeats of those who have come before you? Are you moved by a sunset and blessed within your every breath?"
Saint Peter joined in, "Are you touching people? Are you putting light into the eyes of those around you? Are you hurting or healing? Are you leaving those you meet better or worse than you have found them? Jen, you have so little time. The question is not what our plan is, it's what is yours?"
Oh James, I am so sorry.
Candles are being lit right now by pilgrims all over the world and our hearts are heavy.
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