Distance: 19.3 km, Easy
All along the Camino route, the path is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell. This image reminds us that many routes can lead us to our destination and also that each pilgrim takes their own way to Santiago, but ultimately all points convene on this one place.
The scallop is also a symbol of Saint James, for whom Santiago de Compostela is named. Legend has it that after he was martyred in Jerusalem, St. James’s bodily remains were sent to Spain by his followers. On the way, the boat transporting him sank, only to have his body emerge from the sea covered in scallop shells.
Whether the legend is true or not, the association of the scallop shell with the Way of St. James and more broadly with pilgrimages is poignant. In fact, the shell itself has acted for centuries as a means of gathering water and serving food. Beyond these practical uses, the shell also is a sign of baptism and is a fitting emblem for the Camino and spiritual pilgrimages more generally.
By virtue of our Baptism, we are called to walk the Way of Jesus (who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life). Immersed in the waters of baptism we are claimed by Christ and sent forth to share the Good News of the Gospel with all the world. This is the pilgrimage of our life.
While we might not recall our own baptism (especially if we were baptized as babies), the call of our baptism remains deeply engrained within us. It marks us as pilgrims on the journey, called to work toward the Kingdom of God in the here and now.
Today, reflect on the promises that were made at your baptism. Ask yourself: Do I carry myself differently in life because I am a baptized Christian? How so?
Then read the account of Jesus’s baptism:
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(Matthew 3:13–17)
How is Jesus pleased with the way you live out your faith? How are you/could you be more deeply engaged in doing Christ’s work of Kingdom-building in the world?