On the Camino - day 7

The Cathedral

The Cathedral de Santiago. Originally more ‘simple’ Roman architecture altered by Gothic and Baroque additions. Grand indeed. The altar gilded in gold, elaborate sculptures, and a larger than life-size bust of St. James are the center of worship. But I wondered, where was Jesus? Where were signs of our Creator in God’s natural beauty experienced the past week? Combined with the language spoken in mass, the whole experience felt foreign to me. I was merely a spectator, and I felt ashamed to not share the sense of holiness with my companions who soaked in the moments.

I experienced a heartfelt moment in the ‘passing of the peace’ – shaking hands and hugging people I didn’t know yet recognized as fellow humans. I sat and prayed as communion was served for all the people – yet excludes some for gender, sexuality, specific circumstances, or faith practice. I had the smallest taste of exclusion at this service where only the qualified are welcome to the table. And I wondered, where was Jesus?

I am grateful some experienced the sacred in this space though I felt guilty for not feeling the same way. But. I did experience the sacred in soulful communion with those sitting next to me, friends and strangers alike. I am grateful for my own experience, too.

I emerged from the cathedral with a sense of community and witnessed the echoes from centuries of pilgrims held in the well-worn streets of the city.