What is Pilgrimage? Part 3: Why go on Pilgrimage?

Pilgrimages draw people for a variety of reasons.  First of all, the holy places themselves evoke a sense of wonder and worship, helping us enter more deeply into the mystery of God. They have something of the quality of the burning bush that drew Moses to meet God.

Secondly, visits to holy places are teaching moments. We are open to learning about our Lord, the saints, important events in Christian history, ways of praying and worshipping when that learning is tied to an interesting or inspiring place.  That learning opens us to learning about ourselves and our life in Christ.

Thirdly, getting out of our normal patterns of daily living to go on pilgrimage breaks our routines, opening windows for Christ’s light. The pilgrimage provides a ‘sabbatical’ during which our patterns of living can have more room for worship, prayer and reflection. That helps us to draw nearer to God.

Pilgrimages are exercises in Christian community. They provide an opportunity to live in close quarters with fellow Christians whom we might not choose, sharing worship, prayer and learning together. Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Christian pilgrimage is one way of gathering together for an extended period of time in Christ’s name.