Exodus.
The Book of Exodus describes the flight from Egypt of the Israelites, and begin many years of wandering in the wilderness before they will, one day, reach the Promised Land.
As well as telling us a huge amount about God, and our relationship with God, Exodus also reminds us that we, too, are pilgrim people, travelling through this life to the promised land of heaven that awaits, beyond.
It's also a reminder that pilgrimages - journeys made intentionally to encounter God - can be incredibly powerful experiences.
It's difficult to go on a pilgrimage at the moment, but here are a couple of resources for 'pilgrimages at home':
Pilgrimage guide, from the Diocese of Oxford
Pilgrimage at home, from the Diocese of Portsmouth
For reflection and prayer today, how about the beginning of the 'prayer over the water' at Baptism services, in which those who are baptised begin a new journey...?
Loving Father,
we thank you for your servant Moses,
who led your people through the waters of the Red Sea
to freedom in the Promised Land.
We thank you for your Son Jesus,
who has passed through the deep waters of death
and opened for all the way of salvation.
♫ Travelling music is often a good plan. Here's a couple of departure-related musical suggestions:
Manic Street Preachers - A Song for Departure
Parry - Songs of Farewell
(all six of them...there are details of when each start, if you want a particular one or don't have time to listen to all 30+ minutes of them.)
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