If we read the scriptures carefully we find that the early church called itself the "People of the Way." The focus of following Jesus was just that, following Jesus in their daily lives. The focus was on being a Christian each day of their life. The focus was more on the journey than the destination.
Unfortunately much of Christianity for many focuses almost entirely on the beginning of the Christian faith (experiencing conversion) or on the end of the Christian faith (the second coming of Christ.) But, less is written about Christian living. That is the pilgrimage of following Jesus Christ, of Christianity as a way of being and living.
In a period of church history in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales Celtic Christians were more focused on faith as a pilgrimage. They focuses on seeing God in and through creation and living life as a walk with Christ. Here is one of my favorite hymns from the Northumbria Community which seeks to capture some of the essence of that period of church history and devotion.
Canticle
Christ, as a light
illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield
overshadow me.
Christ under me;
Christ over me;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;
in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light;
Christ as a shield;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.
This canticle encourages the Christian to let Christ work through, in, and all around us. In this Lenten Season and in our Christian walk may it ever be so!
