transitional paths

[andy.d]

I hope it is OK to post this, and I hope this is the right place.

Sometimes you stumble upon something that says so much about the Camino and about life. I found this sentence in Patrick White’s novel Riders in the Chariot:

Happy are the ones who are able to tread transitional paths, scarcely looking to left or right and without distinguishing an end.

Andy

 

[Bridget and Peter]

But what are transitional paths? Are they ones which take you from one place to another? Don't you need to know when you begin them and end?

Or are you happy if you don't notice and don't look to left or right because then there are no difficult choices or decisions to be made?

Am I missing the point?

B
x

 

[andy.d]

Thanks Bridget.

Well, any path is a transitional path because it goes from one place to another, or takes you somewhere else en route to where you started.

But it was one of those sentences that stood out. It seems so full of images about walking and tramping and also about living.

In amongst the extreme pre-Christmas busyness of preparing for all the services, I'm planning a walk on Friday to celebrate my birthday. I want to take the sentence with me then and chew it over as I pound out some kilometres.

Andy

 

[Bridget and Peter]

“If a man (or a woman) wishes to be sure of the road
s/he treads on, s/he must close his (her) eyes
and walk in the dark.”
St John of the Cross

Just read this (on http://acatholicwomansplace.blogspot.com/ - thanks, Claire) and it reminded me of the Transitional paths but not made anything clearer!

Bridget

 

[andy.d]

Hi Bridget,

sorry if I've caused you or anyone else worry - it was a quote that spoke to me deep in the heart.

The one by John of the Cross that you gave is good too, isn't it? John is very complex - he wrote what is probably the most beautiful love poetry in Christian tradition - but the heart of his teaching is the love of God and how God draws us into this love and life (and this often coming out of darkness and despair - which is where walking by faith comes into it).

To keep this vaguely on topic for this Forum, I should say that the Camino Levante goes through Toledo where he was imprisoned and Avila where he spent important years. The Camino de Madrid goes through Segovia where he is buried. Spending nine days through the flat and featureless fields of La Mancha gave me a much deeper appreciation of him.

Perhaps you could pm me if this is a conversation you want to continue,

Andy

 

[MichaelB10398]

This is a wonderful little thread. When I read the first sentence it brought to mind the Eastern Orthodox teachings on Theosis. Blessed are they who seek those transition paths, the paths of change or of personal progression/becoming more attuned to emulating Jesus. To look neither right or left - to walk ahead without fear or self-doubt, but with faith, knowing that as a disciple of Christ, He is our guide. "Without distinguishing an end" - though we strive to emulate Christ He will always be our Savior and it is only His blood that makes us one with the Father.

Wonderful line. Thank you for sharing it. May God's peace be upon all of you this Christmas season.

 

[RestlessRose]

Thank you Michael. I understand the sentence much better now. I was pondering on its meaning. Transition path = changes. Looking neither left or right = walk the path with no fear.

I was working in corporate IT for over 25 years, and I was a 'minor' control freak, charting my path each step, always with a goal in view. With such mindset, it was a little difficult for me understand the sentence when I first read it.

This year, change had come to my door.

And indeed, the sentence is so relevant to what I am now experiencing. It is not easy to walk a new path with no fear. Especially when there is no end in sight.

Andy, thank you for sharing.