Is God also in Santiago de Compostela?

Without a doubt

 

During February rain and sun follow quickly upon each other in Galicia, with temperatures between 5 and 10°C.  Protected by their rainwear two “pilgrims” are walking on the scenic trails of the famous Way of St James.  Spending a mere four days in the town of Santiago de Compostela is not a lot, but better than nothing.  We are flying back to Peru in 2 weeks.  Since arriving in Germany back in June we have had a couple of very hectic months, giving almost 100 talks in seven countries.  Now we are on holiday before we pack our suitcases.

Hape Kerkeling writes in his bestseller “I’m off then: My journey along the Camino de Santiago” that he experienced God in a very special way on his pilgrimage through Northern Spain.  The Way of St James is a phenomenon.  Since the Middle Ages more pilgrims than anyone can count have wandered through these hills.  A financial adviser told me in great detail about his pilgrimage to Compostela after a talk I gave in Holland: it was one of the most moving experiences of his life.  Being able to think about God, one’s fellow humans and oneself in peace and tranquillity is almost as far away as you can get from today’s jet-set lifestyle.  But it is highly likely that Santiago de Compostela‘s Cathedral is built on a lie: St James’– one of Jesus’ Twelve Disciples – bones are not buried here, but are lying somewhere in Palestine’s soil.  St James was executed in 44AD during Agrippa’s I reign.  His rise to become Spain’s patron saint furthered the King’s interests and mobilised his troops against the Moors.  A lot of blood flowed in the name of St James.  A picture in the museum next to the Cathedral shows Santiago (James) high on his steed slaughtering South-American Indians.  God was surely left out of that equation.

That evening we listen to the melodic voices of a Princeton University choir.  The hundred choristers, divided into four groups, stood at various points in the impressive church of the San Martín Cloister.  Their chorales filled even the remotest cranny of the church and ascended through the dome heavenwards.  Will we hear such harmonies in heaven?  Years ago a Jewish professor gave me the assurance that beauty and music are clear pointers to God.

On Sunday morning at 11a.m. we attend a church service in an Evangélica Cristiana, within walking distance from our hotel.  The sanctuary is packed.  The congregation joins in singing the songs with all their heart.  At the end of the service we pray for a drug addict who is about to start his withdrawal treatment.  God is also there – Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there among them. Without a doubt. /KDJ

The various pilgrim trails lead through the countryside and small towns.
In the pilgrimage site Santiago de Compostela.
James, who legend says, protected the Spanish troops against the Moors and the Indian peoples of Latin-America.
Saturday evening in the Monasterio de San Martín. The Princeton Glee Club is performing.  Despite wearing winter clothing the cold crawled up our legs.
On Sunday morning in an “Evangélica Cristiana.“
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