Standing in the Fellowship Hall of the Arch Street Quaker Meetinghouse, I saw a poster, “Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There.” You doubtless get the joke. Quakers worship silently. That was back in 1981. Since then it has been snatched by other meditative types. But it also relates to Pilgrim Life, though in a roundabout way. 
As a seminary student I learned about the Catholic Base Communities movement, which often incorporated “Liberation Theology” into their work, and its practice of reflection-action-reflection. That really does describe Pilgrim Life.
Reflection Before Action
Whoso would be a pilgrim would first reflect thoughtfully on why they are setting out along the path. One can have many reasons, perhaps ought to have many reasons. Seeing the sights is fine. I do it, and many a historic pilgrim was motivated by the thrill of discovery. Getting away from the routine is fine. I do that too, but there needs to be something more than this. Don’t Just Do Something. Have a reason more than the doing.
In my most recent book, as described in my last post, the purpose was penance. But that was not evident in the first reflection, which was curiosity. My initial reflection was to find out more about that era.
Action Became Reflection
Then, as I went along, I discovered there was more to it, spiritually, at least for me. Exactly what was not clear at the time. Most pilgrimages I have done brought me a time of cleansing solitude. This one, though, troubled my heart as I went. Action demanded reflection.
Reflection Upon Action
Only as I wrote about it, which is how I think, did the troubling quality begin to become clear. Do go back and read my last post. And do buy the book. I recommend the paperback version because you will want to fold a page now and then, and flip back and forth. In all, this is my best work so far.
Action After Reflection
In the Base Community movement, one goes continually from reflection to action and back again. In two weeks I shall be back on the trail in France. Preparing for that is the prior reflection. I feel some anxiety despite having done this many times. That is good; it means the journey has meaning and power. Each night I shall record my initial thoughts, not reflections yet, just raw memories. And then when I get back to the USA I shall set them aside for time, to leaven like sourdough starter. Then, months later, I will see what has bubbled up.
Action After Reflection After Action After Reflection
If that sounds repetitive, it is. Pilgrim Life is one step after another. There is no last step, even when one reaches the destination. Pilgrims walk because it is how their spirit breathes, and we all know that there is no last breath until there is no life. That’s how it is with Pilgrim Life – left then right, in and out, action then reflection, lather rinse repeat. All in all, not a bad life.
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