The Shell (9/11/2023)

Yesterday, as I was leaving church after mass, I spotted a couple I did not know. I thought they might be visitors or new to the parish. Then I saw the scallop shell pendant – the sign of a pilgrim. And I knew I had to greet them. Turned out they were from a neighboring parish that will be joined with ours in the next year or so. It was wonderful to meet them, to extend a welcome, and to know others who are on this journey with me.

For year, my understanding of the shell’s significance in our journey was limited to its use as a symbol of baptism, a symbol of the waters of baptism being poured over us. But then, as I grew older, I noticed it was also a symbol of pilgrims, people on a sacred journey such as to Jerusalem, to Rome, or to Santiago. As I continue to write this blog concerning my pilgrimage, my journey, and seeking to companion others along the way, it dawned on me yesterday that the scallop shell would be a fitting symbol.

The scallop shell, as you know, has two sides. Often, it was used as a symbol of love, each of the partners wearing half signifying that together they form one. As I pondered this yesterday, it seemed appropriate that I would use half of a scallop shell to signify my journey to the LORD because I will not be truly whole, truly me, until I reach my destination, life in, with, and through the LORD. And it is also fitting because my journey began at my baptism, though I admit I was not serious about it and intentional about it until I was much older.

Today, as I ponder the scallop shell as an image of my journey in faith, buoyed in hope, and fueled by love, I find new energy. My life is my journey to reunion with the LORD, the source of my very being, my Savior, my sanctifier and animator. It makes more sense to me, thinking of this symbol. But then again, that is the purpose of a symbol, a powerful shorthand for something great.

As we journey, let us honestly and wholly recognize and admit our dependence upon the LORD and with delight set out on our way as pilgrims, seeking the One who created us, saved us, and guides us through this life to the next.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.