Yes, I’m nearing the end of this pilgrimage of faith, hoping to raise the funds to strengthen our outreach ministries to the poor, the refugee. and the immigrant. I am 25 miles away from Santiago, feeling like Dorothy and her companions as they neared the end of their journey to the Emerald City.

Actually, the movie The Way, starring Martín Sheen, was directed by his son Emilio, who also wrote the script. He based the story on The Wizard of Oz! Yes indeed, a story about a grieving father and his three companions on their way to Santiago in order discover a new path in which to call “home.”

Tomorrow, November 19, is the last, long walk I will take and the question Jesus has kept asking me throughout this journey comes from today’s gospel: “What do you want me to do for you?” He asks that question of each and every person, which means YOU, who are reading this. What do you want Jesus to do for YOU?

How I am answering that question for myself will unfold when I return. Every pilgrimage begins when you return home. The pilgrim must go back home for the journey to have any ability to transform the heart.