Distance: 23.3 km, Easy
Part of walking the Camino is that most pilgrims carry everything they will need with them—on their backs! Unlike packing for a vacation, where whatever can fit in your suitcase and within airline weight limits is allowed, packing for a pilgrimage requires a consciousness about what it is we truly need and what is “extra” for the journey. While one or two “extra” things add a bit of comfort, each additional item is literally added weight.
When you are walking an average of 15 miles a day, extra ounces or even a pound or two can mean having the energy to push a little further or feeling an ache a little bit too early in the day.
Guides often advise that “the Camino teaches by subtraction.” Every unnecessary item becomes a spiritual and physical burden. We must weigh our actual needs against our perceived needs.
As you reflect today, think about the journey of your life. Have there been times that you’ve had to let go of something- a relationship, an ideal, an attitude- that you thought you needed but actually was adding weight to your pack?
Jesus says “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest./Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves./For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus wants to lighten our burdens. He wants to hold them with us, like a yoke balancing the load. To learn from Jesus we must become meek and humble of heart. What does the invitation to meekness and humility look like in your life right now? How could letting go of what you think you need open you up to hold on to the only One who can hold all you are?