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Epiphany Episcopal Church in South Haven MIchigan

Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of life and faith, you are welcome here!

April 28, 2017 By The Rev. Michael Ryan

A Pilgrimage Isn’t Linear

I haven’t been posting for a few weeks. I am having a meaningful, joyful and challenging pilgrimage. There is so much happening, and yet I find I’m not ready to unpack too much of it, because I’m still processing it all. And processing for me is slow but deep, and it takes time before I’m able to share sensibly. At the same time, I have a longing to share this journey with my community, and this has placed me in a quandary. On the one hand, I’ve not wanted to turn this pilgrimage into a travelogue, because to do so would drain the power and richness of this journey – the story might be interesting, but it would not be very authentic, truthful, or helpful. Writing a travelogue also frames a pilgrimage as a linear process that unfolds neatly as the miles are covered. And this just isn’t how pilgrimage works. A friend reminds me that a true pilgrimage – which I’m sure you at Epiphany now know – is about encountering obstacles, endeavoring to overcome the obstacles with my own power, and failing that, turning to God and asking for deliverance from or transcendence over the obstacles. But there persists that longing – that deep ache to stay connected with my tribe.

So here is what I believe I can do by way of this blog:

I have encountered God in the people I’ve met and stayed with, and in the times and places of resurrection along this journey. I have also encountered a profound and disturbing absence of God in some of those I’ve met, in myself, and even in the landscapes I’ve traveled. What I can say about both of these extremes, is that I (and we) have some power of choice about who we want to be in this life. For me, I am living into a commitment to be someone who trusts that 1) God is always up to something good in every way possible 2) and that everyone is endeavoring to doing the best they can. In the next few weeks, I hope to share parts of my pilgrimage (so far) in a few stories about where I have found God’s grace, and where I am still waiting for God to bring something good out of those dark places I have encountered in others, in the world, and in myself.

This is what I hope to share, and I ask your prayers (really!) for the willingness to tell them imperfectly, simply and honestly.

About The Rev. Michael Ryan

Fr. Michael Ryan is an Episcopal Priest and rector of the Church of the Epiphany in South Haven, Michigan. He recently completed a three-month sabbatical journey throughout Ireland and the UK - thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment. He welcomes comments on his posts.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tom Blaising says

    April 30, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    Be in the moment, Michael…as I know you are.

    Reply
    • The Rev. Michael Ryan says

      May 6, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      Thank you, Tom!
      I miss you smiling face and kind, quiet ways.
      Please give my love to Jan!

      Reply
      • Michelle Reineck says

        May 6, 2017 at 8:27 pm

        Here is to “slow, deep processing” Michael. The richness of that will be ours in the months and years to come. What is that promise from a winery “never to serve a wine before its time;” seems to fit here. Thank you for being faithful to your “authentic, truthful and helpful self.” You set us all free to do the same.

        Reply
        • The Rev. Michael Ryan says

          May 7, 2017 at 6:03 pm

          Thank you, Michelle! I am so grateful for your wise insight, and for the kind, gentle love of God you impart to each of us!

          Reply
  2. Pat Housekeeper says

    May 7, 2017 at 6:02 pm

    Your comments about where God was found and where he seemed absent are breathtaking in their honesty and characteristic of how you always try to us. This is an amazing gift to us.

    Reply
  3. Janet MacKenzie says

    May 9, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    Michael,

    While a blog traditionally involves reflection, you are on the move, so I for one don’t expect reflection at this time. A few sentences about where you are and what is happening will suffice (though I am looking forward to your reflections later). I do hope you are journaling, so you don’t forget these precious moments. Ywhw

    Reply
    • The Rev. Michael Ryan says

      May 11, 2017 at 12:01 pm

      Thank you for your comments, I think this latest post will please you. I have a few more like these that Susan or I will post tomorrow and Sunday. Miss you, Holy Woman of God!

      Reply

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