(Castaneda to Salceda: 17.5 km, 6 1/2 hours, with 1 hr & 30 min breaks; 24,725 steps, plus 530 later)

1Peter 1:1-12
v. 1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

And exiles scattered throughout Navarra and Castilla & Leon and Galicia, elected by God to walk the ancient Way of St. James–there are so many of us. Sometimes we see a whole line of pilgrims spread out on the road ahead and behind, one by one, walking, all walking, as following some captivating call, drawn to an irresistible goal. We can’t see into their hearts’ motivations, but some of them walk to “be obedient to Jesus Christ,” believing God has called them to this journey and is honored as they walk (v. 7). Two millenia after Jesus’ life and death on earth, “though [they] do not see him now, [they] believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for [they] are receiving the end result of [their] faith, the salvation of [their] souls” (v. 8). Salvation is not in the journey to Santiago but is a gift of the One who calls us all to walk with him through “all kinds of trials” (v. 6) all the way to our heavenly home. Thank you, Jesus, that you give “grace and peace…in abundance” to all of us exiles who seek to be obedient to you.

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