For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked the way of St. James. The highest point on this Camino is here at the Cruz de Ferro. Over these centuries, pilgrims would carry a stone, or burden, and lay it at the foot of the cross.

The result is a massive pile of stones from all over the world, all with unique significance to the bearer.  The pilgrim would then offer a prayer something like this:

Lord, may this stone, a symbol of my efforts on this pilgrimage that I lay at the foot of the cross of the Savior, one day weigh the balance in favor of my good deeds when the deeds of my life are judged. Let it be so.

It is beautiful and truly the wish of many of us, pilgrims or not.

While contemplating this, I couldn’t help but remember something that the Savior said, as recorded in Matthew 11:28 -30.  “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”.

And what is this yoke and burden that the Savior has asked? To love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, mind and strength. And the second, to love your neighbor as yourself.

There are stones that each of us choose to carry on our own pilgrimage. For Diane and I, we will choose the Savior’s yoke.

Whatever you choose as your burden and your pilgrimage, “Buen Camino, my friend”

There is rest and peace in Jesus.