Those who are Last, Will be First. Pope Take Notice.
"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." Matthew 20:16
This bible verse just flashed in my mind this past Sunday as I walked in a room of strangers and took at seat at the back of the room. I was at a meeting to learn more about an old religious pilgrimage that takes place on the Portuguese Azorean Atlantic island called Saint Michael. The "Mastre", as they say in Portuguese, aka the leader, of the local Romeiro group welcomed me and asked me to sit in front. I made a quick friend in the back row and explained that I needed this friend's help with the meeting. The Mastre then said that those who are last will be first. It was a quick test to see if I knew what he was quoting, and I winked and I said I love that biblical verse. He then called me irmao, brother, flashed a huge smile and put his hand on my shoulder and said OK.
The Romeiros (Pilgrims) is a traditional spiritual ritual during lent in the island of São Miguel, Azores. The Romeiros walk the roads and paths of the island in prayer, song and meditation. Since, I live state side, the tradition is replicated here, but instead of a week of traveling church to church, they condense it down to a single day, 13 miles and visiting many churches.
I didn't know what to expect. Boy was I happily surprised at what transpired. I did had a small notion that it would be an informational meeting, to discuss the logistics, and information like that was shared. It turned out to be a 2 hour spiritual journey, filed with prayers that I haven't heard in a while, wonderful singing and testimonials that were sung. We followed along in the pamphlet they distributed with the prayers we're going to sing on our pilgrimage. We rehearsed and rehearsed with such charisma and joy. It's amazing to hear the joyous sound of 100 people singing in the beautiful language of Portuguese.
The point of the pilgrimage is to be united together with fellow pilgrims, in a voluntary devotion to the Lord. The traditional romeiros would spend a week traveling church to church and would be invited and fed by members of those churches. The Mastre emphasized with such emotion that this day, this walk, this sacrifice, is such a transformative experience. The Mastre said it's the one day he can relive forever, and if he had to chose a day to die, it would be that day. I could guarantee that many of the folks in the room shared in the Mastre's sentiments. We were asked to donate money to cover the cost of hiring police to ensure safe travels along the roads and to also food to donate to St. Vincent de Paul. The decision is our if we want to drop off donations in the morning before the walk, or carry our goods in a backup all day as a challenge and reminder of how Jesus suffered and sacrificed for us out of pure Love.
As the College of Cardinal will soon be entering the conclave to select the next Pope, I'd like reflect and pray for them. They may be the most honored and knowledgable in the scholarly aspects of biblical teaching. I know, however, the shared experience of this pilgrimage will have a profound effect on my heart. Isn't this what Jesus will judge us by? The content of our heart, our ability to take action, be charitable and compassionate. The bible teaches, but our actions are what fill our heart. I hope our next pope with bring more people in by shining a light on these types of community building activities. The Romeiros of Saint Michael, the small, humble example of sacrifice, community, prayer, compassion and charity. Let those who walk the slowest, pray earnestly, and give
selflessly, be the first in line on the day the Lord returns.
Image from http://bagosdeuva.blogspot.com/2009/03/romeiros-de-nossa-senhora-da-conc...
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