The Monthly Note
July 2006
A faith in shape of a pilgrimage
by Fr. Émery Désilets, OP
The feast of Saint Anne reminds us that our faith takes root in the faith of our ancestors. Their faith was one of trips, of pilgrimages. It is an exciting challenge to undertake.
Our faith takes root in Abel’s. He was a pastor, a nomad, a wanderer. Doesn’t this tell us something about our own faith? We cannot stand still. We must be as mobile as a nomad, a pastor, a wanderer, a missionary, a witness, a pilgrim.
Our faith takes root in Noah’s, who, in his ark, did not fear leaving the safety of solid ground, to go forth, at God’s request, in the great adventure of salvation.
Our faith takes root in Abraham’s, one of history’s greatest walkers. In this respect, it is meaningful that he has received the title of father of believers. A caravan of believers set forth with him, in search of the paths of God. We are part of this caravan.
Christian faith, which takes root in our ancestor’s, is also one of voyage, of pilgrimage. Becoming a Christian means to follow Jesus, the Saviour. Doesn’t our faith mean following the one who said: « I am the Way, the Truth and the Life».
Christians can never remain still. They must go forth for their salvation and to proclaim salvation to others, just like our communities. This faith of voyage and pilgrimage is also the faith of the Church. It must remain a people on a journey, a people of pilgrims.
Let us give thanks for this great gift our ancestors have bestowed upon us.
Émery Désilets, o.p., Director.
« By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go » (He 11, 8).
