Step 5: Post-Pilgrimage
“So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them… Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
Those two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus are inspired to action and to sharing.
The disciples walked seven miles in the heat to reach Emmaus. The evening was descending when they arrived and invited Christ to share their meal. We can imagine night had fallen by the time the meal was over, Christ had revealed himself to them and left, and they were able to converse about the experience. Still, what did they do? They immediately returned the seven miles as changed men bringing glad tidings.
You have presented your prayers and concerns to God and the saints. Turn back as those two disciples did, and bring your joy to your community.
You will return to the everyday. You will return to your community. How will you be changed? How will you change your community? How will the pilgrim’s experience remain with you tomorrow? The next day? Weeks, months, and years later? How will you support the next group of pilgrims or become the face of hospitality in your community?
The pilgrim experience is always life-changing, but that change can be short-lived if one does not take the time after the pilgrimage to engage in a deep reflection on where God became manifest on the journey and at the holy site. Personal silence in the exercise of this reflection will make it easier for Christ to write on your heart what the lasting insight will be.
Practically speaking, there is an easy answer to the last question: we would love you to become a member of the MCP Hospitality Network. As Nouwen wrote, receiving hospitality teaches us how to give it. You would be an ideal host for future pilgrims, having set off on the Way yourself. And if you have reflections from your pilgrimage that you would like to share with MCP even far beyond your pilgrimage, do not hesitate to reach out. We are grateful to have you in the pilgrimage community.
