The old Irish blessings prays that the wind be always at your back. Today, it was totally in my face, for three straight hours, 30MPH plus, with a constant pelting rain. And cold…
No one said it would be easy. I walked through deep troughs of mud and whatever, pulling and tugging on my boots. The boots I am wearing are truly waterproof, thank God . I prayed for the wind to be at my back but the Lord was having none of it. He didn’t calm the winds for any of us pilgrims as He calmed the winds on the sea for the disciples caught in fear.
The Lord wanted us to brave those powerful winds and that we did. I’m just a bit weary. God doesn’t always calm the storms on the outside, perhaps to make us stronger within. I did receive a tremendous sense of tranquility as the winds were pushing us from side to side. I knew without a doubt we would make. That is the Peace that only Christ can give, the peace when we TRUST that we will make it.
Trust is at the heart of being a disciple and follower of Jesus. We are called to give in to this trust so that a relationship with Him can be forged and deepen. We have to trust that God created us for a reason from the foundation of the world. Yes, this is exactly what St Paul teaches in today’s reading at Mass ,and also, that we are predestined to be God’s adopted children. Paul ends the reading by saying that everything will converge in Christ, Who is the Cornerstone of all the cosmos and creation.
We are ALL braving the winds together and our journeys will meet and converge in Christ. Buen Camino. Fr. Frank
Fr. Frank's Camino de Santiago 
Fr. Frank,
Strong winds are currently blowing in Jen’s face too. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as you continue your journey. May God’s love sustain her as she braves through this turbulence.
Safe travels, Cathy
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Hi Cathy. So sorry to hear about Jen. My prayers are in full swing. I hope you the rest of the family are good. Miss you all. I even miss Chicago!!!! Love. Frank
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Thanks for another insightful posting. We never know what winds buffet our friends and neighbors. Hey, if you only walked backwards, the wind would be at your back! Stay well, walk safely. Tom & Myrna
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Keep up the great work. Sounds like your progress is steady.
Look on the bright side, at least from the photos it looks like it’s flat for now… 🙂
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Hi will. Hope all is well on the home front. It is flat. Sort of…. Take care. Frank
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Did the winds remind you of Chicago?!?- just kidding. I’m in San Fran for work and couldn’t find a cab yesterday so I had to walk to the place I’m staying- up the crazy streets in high heels. I now realize how easy I had it compared to your walk! I hope your journey is easier today!
This bible quote is my from my devotional today:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
—2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Please know that your daily posts are comforting people!
My thought and prayers are with you!
Jackie
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Hi Father Frank,
I am so glad to be able to follow your journey here. I am recovering at home from my last surgery that you blessed me for. Lots of ups and downs and patience needed with my recovery but I remain grateful. I will pray for you on this journey and that you don’t get too weary.
Liz Anderson
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May tomorrow bring you what you need to continue your great trust in the Lord. Thanks for your beautiful insights.
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Very true that we are all braving winds of some sort, be it physical or emotional. Thanks for the reminder to trust.
I hope you are warmed by a cup of hot tea right now with your feet up, to rest for your ongoing journey tomorrow.
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God bless you and keep you in good spirits. You are truly an inspiration!
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