Manzanita Beach Day Camino Thoughts

A day in the mystical fog at the beach.

On the Camino pilgrimage I learned a simple, meaningful word: Ultreia. It is an old Latin call—“Go beyond.” Ultreia calls pilgrims forward, urging them to keep walking farther than they thought they could, to go deeper into the journey. For me that word is more than a travel slogan; it is a spiritual posture. Ultreia invites us to go beyond our comfort zones, beyond our assumptions, beyond what is merely convenient, so we can live more fully into the call of Jesus.

We are called to go beyond self-interest to love and to serve others – to go beyond what is easy to do and do the hard and necessary work – to go beyond in Christlike imitation – to go to the cross and beyond in living resurrection life where real life and love truly win in the hearts and souls of humanity – to bring the world to full flourishing. This is our solidarity and connection as fellow people of faith.

Ultreia – the term is often paired with “et suseia,” which translates to “and upward” or “and higher,” further emphasizing the forward and upward movement. For years I have been saying and signing off on letters onwards and upwards – and now I have this affirmation for those words and that way of life. Yes Lord – we hear your call and move onward and upwards.

“Ultreïa et suseia, Deus adjuva nos!” is then a cry that incites to motion and to the exploration of what is beyond ourselves, with “God’s help.”Simply translated, it means “Let’s keep going further; let’s keep going higher… God helps”.

This is the call … this is a living faith … this is a forward going journey … this is being the body of Christ, the church, together.

1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see through a glass, dimly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I am known”.

James 4:14: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes”.

With all that the world throws at people, at creation, at us, and with all the other unknowns, mysteries, and questions of this life, may we be good encouragers and light bearers as we journey throw the fog….with God’s help!

Peace and Hope church…peace and hope always.