Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man
Last Friday, I presided at a memorial service of family that lost a father. It was very emotionally moving. After the service there was the usual snack table and muted conversations. I met a lady who had walked 6days of the Compostela walk. She related her physical experience of the tiredness, the bruises and the scenery. After listening to her attentively, I asked her how she has changed as a result of the experience.
She struggled to answer the question, at one time saying- ‘not much.’ Then on closer thought she said - ‘I guess I realized that one can be happy even while experiencing physical suffering.’ I thanked her for the insight.
It occurred to me that it is possible to experience very significant moments and not be aware of any deep personal change. It alerted me of the importance of spending time in deep reflection during my upcoming pilgrimage.
I believe this week’s Gospel highlights such a moment. When asked ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter responds ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God.’ Jesus responds ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.’
Jesus is telling Peter, and by extension us, that at times we are deeply influenced by the Holy Spirit. We may say or do something inspired, something profound, without fully grasping its source or significance in the moment. Just like the woman on the Camino, we can go through powerful experiences and not immediately recognize the interior shifts taking place.
But Jesus reminds us that grace often moves quietly beneath the surface of our lives, unnoticed in the moment. It is only through prayerful reflection that we begin to recognize the gentle stirrings of the Holy Spirit within us. That is why it is essential to create space each day to turn inward and reflect on our interior life.
One helpful practice I recommend is journaling—a simple yet powerful way to trace the patterns of God’s presence, our struggles, our growth, and the quiet ways grace is shaping us from within.
As I embark on our pilgrimage, I am reminded to pay close attention—not just to the journey, but to the subtle stirrings within, the whisper of God inviting me to deeper awareness and transformation.
I invite you to join me in my reflections, images and insights along the way, by subscribing to the following link - Pilgrimage Link