12/09/2021
Quo Vadis 2/2
Early modern reformers such as Desiderius Erasmus, Martin Luther, and Thomas More were quick to call pilgrimages 'false,' given the distasteful adoration of relics and commercial benefit to sanctuaries that such journeys seemed to demand, solidifying into a more widespread view the unease with which some in the Middle Ages had viewed pilgrimage for the Christians.
I have not been keen on visiting churches besides for architectural or historical reasons, but this time at the Vatican, the visit was different, the experience of navigating the history; the influence of the previous visits to the Coliseum, the Via Apia, and the many roads all leading to Rome, made me identify the strong connection to the fact that I am part of a belief that humans have an ulterior reason to exist.
Maybe all our life is a pilgrimage, and it is crucial making it consciously, understanding our limitations, barriers, social conditions and especially reasons. Step by step this will lead to life purpose. Yes, we may fall into false journeys, “adoration” of ideas, behaviours and even following false leaders or people… offensive behaviours that may cause harm to us and others; still at any point the question Quo Vadis, -where are you going- a pivotal question in the novel from Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz, at the end of the 19th Century, is the one that could make us see past, present, and future together and correct the authenticity of our life, to develop from what our life is and not the idea of it.
Rough year, my 55th… and as I enter my late 50’s my illusion for keeping the journey real, true to the destination, has just grown stronger.
