By Charles Igwe
In his recent message, Pope Francis emphasized faith as a continuous journey leading us closer to God. Reflecting on his days as a priest in Buenos Aires, the Pope shared how walking through neighborhoods helped him connect deeply with the lives of others. For him, walking represents an act of faith—a dynamic process that keeps us moving forward in our relationship with God, with each step representing a deepening bond, much like a cherished friendship that always seeks more.
As he looks toward the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis encourages believers to embrace faith as a pilgrimage, rather than as mere wandering or tourism. He highlighted three essential elements of this journey: risk, effort, and goal.
Risk, he noted, is a concept deeply tied to faith. Ancient pilgrims accepted the perils of the road with a trust that outweighed their fears. For modern-day believers, the Pope suggests this same spirit of trust in God, encouraging a willingness to surrender to His will, knowing He is a benevolent Father who desires only the best for His children.
Effort is another core aspect of the pilgrim journey. Today, walking pilgrimage routes like Santiago de Compostela or Italy’s Via Francigena requires significant exertion, from enduring long days on foot to carrying only the essentials. Pope Francis noted that this effort often brings unexpected rewards, such as encounters with local people, moments of genuine silence, and a renewed appreciation for simplicity.
Lastly, goal gives purpose to the journey. For Pope Francis, having a direction in life mirrors the way believers navigate with God as their guiding star. He likens God to a goal that perpetually draws us forward, always surpassing any understanding we may have of Him. Reaching earthly destinations, like a basilica or sanctuary, may mark an endpoint on one level; yet, spiritually, the journey to God remains unending. As Isaiah states, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Is 55:9). For the Pope, the true beauty of faith lies in this ongoing journey—a journey filled with assurance that, as we move closer to God, He is ever present, ready to offer His grace and consolation.
