These days we often hear today the phrase “finish strong.” I received a couple of texts from well-wishers to that effect as I walked the Camino. But as pilgrims we just wanted to finish. As the apostle Paul urged us, it’s about finishing the race, getting over the line (1 Cor 9:24; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:1). It dawned on me how in our modern era the saying “finish strong” may be a sort of judgment that adds extra pressure—pressure I believe God never intended. After six days of walking, the anticipation of entering the square in front of the cathedral was the only thing our bodies and souls were concentrated on.

And yes, finishing was wonderful! It mattered not whether we ran or walked or stumbled, if we were sick or hungry or in pain, nor how fast or slow we were compared to the other pilgrims descending from the surrounding hills, converging on Santiago de Compostela.

We cried—though with the most enormous smiles—and pumped our arms, in awe of the fact that we had finished along with others from all around the globe, from every race and speaking many tongues, as pictured in Rev 7:9. We had walked through rain and storms, as well as beautiful woodlands and eucalyptus forests (which smelt so clean and fresh). Yet to stand in the courtyard was unbelievable. For me it was a glimpse of how we will feel when we finally meet the Lord. Finishing is the goal; it’s the destination. The journey was an experience and one to enjoy and reflect on, but reaching the destination was the crown—the prize.

After finishing the Camino, most proceed to the Pilgrim office about a half mile walk away for a certificate of completion. The officials check our stamps in the pilgrim passport. Every day we need to collect at least two, proving we have stayed on the path. The atmosphere is electric as we recognise fellow sojourners celebrating and collecting their certificates.

Behind the offices is a courtyard and a sculpture of a pilgrim resting on a bench. Yet on closer inspection we notice the sculpture’s title: “homeless Jesus.” The feet are pierced. We recognise the Lord. This reminds me how at the end of our spiritual journey we will need to rest.

Last, I recalled the lyrics to a song that has been meaningful to me when I’ve found the pilgrim life challenging. The lyrics remind us that if we place our hand in Jesus’s hands, he will walk with us. We will make the journey together. It reminds me of how much we need each other and Jesus to finish the journey. These are the pilgrims who care.

“Follow me” by Ira Stanphill

I traveled down a lonely road
And no one seemed to care;
The burden on my weary back
Had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus
How folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly,
"My feet were also weary,
Upon the Calv'ry road;
The cross became so heavy,
I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful weary pilgrim,
The morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me."

"I work so hard for Jesus",
I often boast and say,
"I've sacrificed a lot of things
To walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune,
I'm worth a lot to Thee,"
And then I hear Him gently say to me.
"I left the throne of glory
And counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger
Upon a cruel cross,
But now we'll make the journey
With your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.

Oh, Jesus if I die upon
A foreign field some day,
’Twould be no more than love demands
No less could I repay,
"No greater love hath mortal man
Than for a friend to die"
These are the words He gently spoke to me:
"If just a cup of water
I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water
Is all that I demand,"
But if by death to living
They can thy glory see,
I'll take my cross and follow close to thee.