How's That Spiritual Pilgrimage Going? A Holy Saturday Reflection from Rev. Dr. Ben Bohren

I recently returned from a long-awaited spiritual pilgrimage! It was 65 years ago in June, at my regional campgrounds in Silver Springs, FL. It was the end of a wonderful week of a high school conference when it happened! I was 14, and it was the Saturday morning closing circle when the traditional invitation was issued for anyone who was feeling a “sense of call” to ministry to step into that circle. I never intended to do so, but suddenly, I found myself moving forward and there I was. My heart told me I was in the right place, and my life was forever changed. And I have never looked back. No regrets!

So after all these years, I wanted to return to those sacred campgrounds and re-member that moment in my early life. I was sure I could find that very place where I had stepped forward, and I did. I literally re-enacted that step forward just as I had done as a teenager. Not back then, nor on this recent trip, was there lightning or thunder or a booming voice from above – just the same heart-signal of the Spirit urging me to spend my life “stepping forward” in service to an awesome God. That call always meant “stepping forward” to seek the footprints of Jesus that I might fully understand where I was being called to “do justice; love kindness and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)

Friends, here we are, and it’s Holy Saturday and goodness gracious, a whole lot has happened on this spiritual pilgrimage we call Lent. And now, we have journeyed through Holy Week, including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and Jesus is still in that tomb! How’s your spiritual pilgrimage going? 

How miraculous are the holy scriptures! Here come these encouraging words from Psalm 31. Even when we are serious about following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will sometimes find ourselves on rocky ground and sifting sand and, most assuredly, there will be challenges we never anticipated or invited. Life does that to us. Serious illness, loss of loved ones, _______, you fill in the blank. Sometimes we even take some steps backward or almost lose our faith! Get honest! And yet, this cry of David’s stiffens our backbone, nudges our steps forward, and speaks to our doubts. “You are indeed my rock and my fortress.” What a mantra; say it over and over. 

We know the story well. Tomorrow, we will shout “alleluias,” sing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” and celebrate resurrection. But we are a people with a covenant to God’s call. We know that the story goes on and on, and we are constantly, daily being nudged to “step forward” into the circle of justice, peace, compassion, forgiveness and love. How’s YOUR spiritual pilgrimage going? 

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Rev. Dr. Ben Bohren is a retired Disciples minister, having served in local pastorates, regional ministry, and general ministries for nearly 60 years. He served on the DSF Board of Trustees for 17 years.