This reflection was written by Rev. Msgr. Robert Dempsey, ChM.

There are many ways of describing the Christian life: a journey, a race, a walk with Christ, etc., but one of the Second Vatican Council’s preferred images is that of a pilgrim- age: a long, challenging journey to a sacred destination. This journey begins here on earth, but has its culmination in that perfect communion with God which is eternal life. Thus our true citizenship, the place where we really belong, is in heaven (Phil 3:20).

However, we are far from there and know of this destination only by faith. On our pil- grim way to eternity the virtue we especially need is hope, “by which we desire the king- dom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC, 1817). Trust in Christ’s promises and reliance on the grace of the Holy Spirit—throughout our earthly pilgrimage that is how we “keep on keeping on” without growing weary. As the Letter to the Hebrews urges us, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who himself was motivated by “the joy that lay before him,” and thus “endured the cross, despising its shame” (Heb 12:2). Christ shows us the way and accompanies us on it.

Our Lord is not to be outdone, though, in his providential care for us! In addition to prayer and the sacraments, he also gives us his own Mother as our constant companion and a shining model of perfect discipleship. In fact, Mary “shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come, as a sign of sure hope and solace to the people of God during their sojourn on earth” (Lumen gentium, 68). She gives us comfort by her intercession but also by her example, for she was united intimately with her Son even in his suffering and death. Her union was truly “a long, challenging journey to a sacred destination.” So the Council does not hesitate to call her earthly life a pilgrimage: “The Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. There she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, grieving exceedingly with her only be- gotten Son, uniting herself with a maternal heart to his sacrifice” (ibid., 58).

At the foot of the cross, that maternal heart received all who would become her spiritual sons and daughters through Baptism. Mary’s abiding presence on our pilgrimage of faith is yet another cause for hope and trust. Centuries later, the words she spoke to St. Juan Diego are meant for us as well: “There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not, fortunately, in my care?” (Nican Mopohua, 3-19). So we pray: “Keep us pure and faithful, guard us on life’s journey, that on seeing Jesus we rejoice forever” (Hymn, Ave, maris stella).