The Promised Land Quotes

“Almighty God, You never stop showing Your goodness to those who love You, and You let Yourself be found by those who seek You; show Your favor to your pilgrims as they pursue their pilgrimage and guide their path according to Your will. Be to them a shade in the heat of the day, a light in the darkness of the night, a relief in the midst of their fatigue, so that they can happily finish their journey under Your protection. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.’ I hope this has been your experience.” Heads nod all around the room. The monk waits a moment and then adds, “Here is another blessing for the end of your Camino. ‘May the Lord Christ go with you wherever He may send you, guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.’” He opens up the gathering to a time of sharing for the pilgrims, but I am too overcome to trust my voice. I sit with the cross-stitch across my lap, fingering its nubby surface, and listen as, one”
― Elizabeth Musser, The Promised Land

“Before the trip I read that pilgrims often bring a small rock or stone from their home. It represents a burden they’ve been carrying or a loved one they are grieving or a sin for which they’re doing penance. At some point on the Camino, they lay down that stone. The most popular place is at the Cruz de Ferro in Spain, the highest point on the Camino Frances.”
― Elizabeth Musser, The Promised Land

“Dying to something old, a pattern that is comfortable in its dysfunction, so that one can move to a different system, a new freedom.”
― Elizabeth Musser, The Promised Land