Caitlyn King - Pilgrimage Value

 the point of pilgrimage is to connect with higher powers, reflecting on yourself and the world.

when you travel on pilgrimage trails, you enter a liminal space, disconnected from society. but prof. redick also talks about another key value in his essay: unconditional hospitality. places open space for pilgrims to sleep, cheap meals, clothing at times. they do not expect there to be an economy exchange--pilgrims are not tourists and so the rules are different for those in such a liminal space.

i cannot go on the camino. i have too many obligations but i think that i could at least brush the surface of what pilgrims experience from where i am. one of the things i got told in church is that the worst about us is that we are constantly, consistently, unable to match or return the unconditional love that God gives us. but i think that we can try.

i think that even if i don't walk a trail or go on a pilgrimage, it doesn't matter too much. there are other ways to grow closer with God (in my case), and emulating the unconditional hospitality He tries to give those on pilgrimage is one of them. invite others and give freely, and that is one of the only ways we may get close to Him.

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