Well what is pilgrimage? Quite simply it is taking the focus off oneself and placing that focus on God. Yesterday was one of those occasions as I stood on the coast of west wales. I knew a little of the history of St David but not how he and St Patrick were so closely connected. It was a journey of discovery as I found myself standing on the ruins of St Patrick's chapel from where he had heard the call of God to return to Ireland and carry the story of Jesus with him.
This had not been his first thought. However, when praying earnestly for the role of preaching the gospel to Wales, God had informed him in prayer that this task was not his but was already reserved for a man to be born thirty years hence. Somewhat disappointed Patrick left and, perhaps in a fit of pique, raised to life a man who had been dead for forty years and who was to become Patrick's companion to Ireland and then a bishop! Later St David's cathedral was built on the sight where Patrick had this conversation with God.
Standing on the ruins of Patrick's chapel I once agin renewed and was renewed in my call as both a friar and a pilgrim, and quietly readjusted my mission statement - no more friend and friar, but henceforward pilgrim and friar. Friendship is rare, relationship the normal currency by which we engage in human interaction.
Patrick it seems had the right inclination in his heart to follow and serve God, simply he had the incorrect locus. My pilgrimage revealed to me that my instincts were indeed Godly, but the theatre of their expression was not where God intended. I anticipate being redirected to my 'Ireland adventure' soon enough. Good to know God still speaks today.
