Monday 30 September 2013

Day 29, Sunday 29th September. Cervera - Igualada (41kms)

Today was a long and brutal day: we all finished exhausted and sore from a too long day of walking!

However, there was much time for contemplation! Michael invited us to focus on Ignatius' call to distinguish between 'inspiration' and 'incarnation': one can have great ideas and great desires to do much for God; however, such desires need to be 'incarnated' in practice, in daily life. How then, and what then will I do on my return? How will I incarnate this experience into my ministry? That is what I pondered and prayed today.

The scripture suggested was, "I will be with you always, yes, to the end of time."

As per usual, we began with a song and a prayer!

Walking out of the ancient walled city was walking through history: these walls could tell many stories, especially of battles for power and control!

 

Back out into the countryside with its ancient terraces, no wasted land, no quarter acres blocks, certainly not 2/4/6 acre blocks!

Looking back at Cervera with its many stories.

We stretch out over a long day.

Taking short cuts across the fields.

Our 2 hours of quiet prayer caused me to ponder Ignatius words, being reminded that the many gifts I've been given are given to be put at the service of others and thus in serving God and God's Reign of justice, peace and love. How am I being invited to do this in fresh and creative ways with new energy?

The most curious sight: a small village with fighter planes in a back yard!

Ancient churches abound, many dating back to the 11/12 Centuries, beautifully cared for by the locals, though not always in regular use.

Pretty houses in pretty villages that we pass through.

25 kms down, 16kms to Igualada our destination.

A rest by this 11thC church.

Peter and Chona still smiling.

Joe and Vin striding out!

We glimpse the mountains ahead where lies Montserrat, our destination tomorrow.

The highway into Igualada, much quicker than our long and torturous final kilometres!

Upon arrival, I collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted, shivering with cold, wrapped in a blanket, until my body regained some normalcy and then a late light meal. Sleep came easily!

 

No comments:

Post a Comment