Lay Your Burden Down

Pilgrimages are not new. They exist in every religion that I know of. Laying a burden down, making a sacrifice and leaving a prayer is something that is done around the world. But what is curious about Jesus is he's the only one who bids everyone to come to him, lay the burden down, and then promises to give rest. Remember Christian hope. This is his promise. It's sure. This is what sets Jesus apart. We can release our burdens knowing we no longer have to carry them by ourselves. Cruz Deto is one of the highest points on the Camino, and it's one of my favorite places. It is here that many pilgrims choose to lay their burdens down, giving them over to God. Whatever your burden is, however large or however small, Jesus invites us to lay that burden on him because he cares for us. Archbishop Stephen Catrell wrote a poem on the Camino that is appropriate for today. I know a man who carries heavy loads for whom no weight is too sharp, nor yet too sheer, who does not ask from when such a burden came or why it has been carried all these years, he does not share it. Splitting half with half or say you get what you deserve, no less. It is for ones like me, still undeserving that he comes to shoulder and to bless. He picks up what you press on him and chis you with a smile if you persist in keeping what you cannot bear. His heart is strong, though not a strength and capable of weeping. Oh, come to him if broken, burdened, sad, and holding you. This strong man's heart is glad.