Why a walking pilgrimage to Walsingham? Perhaps a need for renewal, a desire to venerate the Mother of God or perhaps to ask for an intercession for self or for a loved one. For many a pilgrim the words of the Angel Gabriel, captured by Luke, resonate in the heart...
"Rejoice so highly favoured! The Lord is with you...you have won God's favour..."
Mary for her part cries out
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour..Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is His name.."
God entrusted His only Son to Mary's care in a land under military occupation and torn with religious divisions. However, Israel was alive to a premonition that a saviour might emerge from their midst to rescue them. With hindsight we belittle them for failing to recognise Him because they defined salvation in worldly terms. Are we any different?
Sometimes we need time out of our routine to ponder on the important things in life.
Luke tells us that after Simeon spoke in prophecy about the mighty impact that Jesus would have on the nations and that Mary as a result
"wondered at that things that were being said about him".
How often do we lose ourselves in such a wonder? Or consider Simeon's warning of Mary's future suffering;
"a sword will piece your own soul too - so that the secret thoughts of many are laid bare".
A good walk provides ample time to wonder and reflect on such things. Arthur Blessitt's website (he of the record breaking global cross carrying witness) suggests that Mary may have walked approximately 12,000 miles in her lifetime and our Lord Jesus 25,000 miles. The route from Nazareth to Jerusalem, avoiding Samaria, being about 120 miles each way. Best not call the route from London to Walsingham a long walk then.
"Rejoice so highly favoured! The Lord is with you...you have won God's favour..."
Mary for her part cries out
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour..Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is His name.."
God entrusted His only Son to Mary's care in a land under military occupation and torn with religious divisions. However, Israel was alive to a premonition that a saviour might emerge from their midst to rescue them. With hindsight we belittle them for failing to recognise Him because they defined salvation in worldly terms. Are we any different?
Sometimes we need time out of our routine to ponder on the important things in life.
Luke tells us that after Simeon spoke in prophecy about the mighty impact that Jesus would have on the nations and that Mary as a result
"wondered at that things that were being said about him".
How often do we lose ourselves in such a wonder? Or consider Simeon's warning of Mary's future suffering;
"a sword will piece your own soul too - so that the secret thoughts of many are laid bare".
A good walk provides ample time to wonder and reflect on such things. Arthur Blessitt's website (he of the record breaking global cross carrying witness) suggests that Mary may have walked approximately 12,000 miles in her lifetime and our Lord Jesus 25,000 miles. The route from Nazareth to Jerusalem, avoiding Samaria, being about 120 miles each way. Best not call the route from London to Walsingham a long walk then.