Jesus' Camino

As I was walking the Camino, there were many times when Biblical stories or passages came to mind. For starters, almost the entirety of Jesus' ministry was done while they were walking. Walking from town to town around Galilee, through Samaria and to Jerusalem. His ministry was designed with that pace and lack of a home base in mind. Jesus taught as he and his disciples walked along. Sometimes when the crowds were gathered he stopped in an opportune spot and taught the masses outside. He dined wherever he was invited, slept where space was available. Jesus had his disciples and faithful followers with him but he was also constantly meeting new people. He had time for them because his schedule wasn't planned out and packed with meetings or to do lists. Jesus didn't have any schedule to keep. He knew that he had the ultimate destination of Jerusalem, which distance-wise wasn't that far. What was important along the journey wasn't the speed of their walking or the quality of their accommodations but rather that his disciples got to know him and grasp his love for them and the world. Jesus took the time to see into the hearts of those around him. He listened to them, asked them provoking essential questions, healed them, ate with them, taught them, wept with them and prayed for them. 

And sometimes he just needed to get away and be by himself. After a long day, he would often wander off to find a quiet place where he could recharge by being quiet and connecting with his Heavenly Father. Walking in the community of others and being attentive and compassionate with them was demanding. But what a gift it was to those he encountered, for his closest friends and with those that he had a single interaction. Jesus made himself available by simply walking around and being present to people. I've never had the sense that Jesus felt rushed or thought that anyone was not worth his time. He gave what was needed and then moved on. 

Jesus enjoyed the hospitality offered to him with graciousness that I'm sure blessed him and his hosts. Walking dusty rocky roads would have made him sweaty and dirty and in need washing.  He needed food and water and wine and a place to sleep. He might have needed new shoes or clothing or at least a little mending now and then. But not a lot more than that. Jesus kept his life and needs simple and basic. Not a lot of clutter or things to distract him from his mission of loving and redeeming the world. Jesus literally walked his talk.