In the Jewish liturgical calendar at the time of Jesus, certain feasts during the year, Passover included, were observed as “pilgrimage feasts.”  This meant that people left their homes and went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem to take part in temple worship there.

This week, I invite you to explore the spiritual practice of pilgrimage.  Notice that it includes several distinct dimensions:

• interrupting ordinary life and setting it aside
• taking time
• making a physical journey
• going to a holy place
• worshipping in the holy place
• returning home

Begin by reflecting on each of these elements in turn.

What is it like for you to interrupt your ordinary life and set it aside?  Easy or difficult? Something you welcome or something you resist?  Recall different occasions when you have done this.  What has been the outcome at different times?

Consider the element of taking time.  In an average week, where does your time go?  Try to answer in minutes or hours (or in percentages) for your various activities.  How does this pattern reflect (or not) your values and priorities?

Another time, notice your experience of making journeys—everything from your daily commute to errands and social engagements to once-in-a-lifetime trips.  What are some of the good things about your journeys?  Some of the drawbacks? Dangers?  Benefits?  What feelings do you associate with your journeys?

What are the holy places in your life?  Maybe some are places many people consider holy; maybe some are unique to you alone.  Recall holy places you’ve experienced, and name some you’d like to visit.  What makes them holy?  Why do you value going there?

In your experience of holy places, how have you worshipped?  Try to recall at least one experience of worshipping in a place many call holy, and one in a unique-to-you holy place.

What is it like for you to return home from a holy place?  What do you bring with you?  Are you different when you come home?  If so, how?  What’s easy and what’s hard about coming home from a holy place?

Finally, before the week is out, make a pilgrimage to a holy place.  Try to be attentive to each of the different dimensions of your pilgrimage experience.