Following the scuff marks of history

Hebrews 11:8-10, 18-16

Kate McIllhagga writes, Pilgrimage is a circular route, following the scuff marks of history. And thus our little band of 12 pilgrims sets off -- without an Abbey Guide -- to Columba Bay where the Saint landed in 563 AD. We discover that if we stay on the clearest track, where others have trod before us, we do indeed move towards our goal. Like those who went before us, some forge ahead, some hobble behind, some give a hand over the bogs and boulders, some take pictures. And thus we tread, past sheep, "Och, mind now where you step!", past a golf course!?, over pasture, past Crofters' homes, up the narrow, rocky torrent-created gullies.

Loch Staoineig, a highland lake surounded by heather and "other green stuff," glimmers beside us. Over the crest, down the treacherous rocks we trek to the southeast corner of Iona and the calm Atlantic. We are welcomed by hand-sized, smooth rocks forming crosses arranged by Pilgrims who have come before us. Some look very new. One looks old with tufts of grass poking up between the rocks with sand dusting over the top. We stand on rock spewed up from earth's core over 2.5 billion years ago. Geologist tell us this is the oldest rock on our home planet. The sun shines brilliantly. The gentle west wind brushes past. Little off-shore islands rest peacefully.

We pilgrims drift silently apart: watching, listening, sensing our environment, gathering multi-colored pebbles and rocks (yellow and rose-pink, violet and white, dove-grey) tumbled smooth by the silvery sea.

We drift together, show and share our collected pebbles and thoughts, then begin the ascent up Lag Odhar, passing again the serene Loch Staoineig, coming out on the rolling fertile green Machair, speaking to the sheep, breathing deeply, descending the track to the village and "home." Our place of departure has become our place of arrival. What has changed? We wonder. In seeking, what have we found? What will we carry back to Wisconsin with us?

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the son of peace to you

--Robin Reed