Pilgrim Roads

Ivonne J. Hernandez invites us to let the chaos around us become an entry into conversation with God.

Finding God in the Chaos

The more chaotic the world feels, the more I notice the terrain of my own heart shifting beneath my feet. As a Catholic mom, how does one navigate the contentious environment we find ourselves enveloped in? I often find myself needing a break from the news, from social media, even from some people. I feel my heart and mind pulled and tugged, argued and worn. How long, Lord, how long? I find solace in prayer, in a conversation with a spiritual director, in Scripture … I find refuge in the Lord.

This doesn’t mean I am always wise or that I am never wrong. In fact, it is quite the opposite. In my conversations with God, I am first comforted, but then I am often convicted and corrected, but always with inexhaustible patience, mercy and love. Sometimes He gives me the courage to speak; other times, the grace to remain silent. But, when I bring whatever is happening around me to prayer, God eventually shows me the place in my heart that He is shining light upon. This is the place that needs loving, understanding, healing and kindness. This is what answers not why, but what for?

Blessed the man who finds refuge in you, in their hearts are pilgrim roads. (Psalm 84:6)

I love the imagery of the paths I’m traversing in my heart being pilgrim roads to my place of refuge in God. Sometimes I go around in circles wandering the desert of my thoughts, other times I dig my heels and stay stuck for a while, but God always comes to my rescue. He gives me repose and strengthens me again for the next pilgrim road.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. (Psalm 23:1-3)

We Never Walk Alone

But what happens in a pilgrimage? One is never alone. Fellow pilgrims have traversed the terrain before. They have left markings, lampposts, guides for our feet, so we don’t get lost. I find these in the lives and writings of the saints. Whatever challenge we find ourselves in, we can find a saint whose story and/or words can encourage us. And then we can help guide others when they come to us and we remember how we navigated a similar road before.

These roads are sometimes through a desert, others by a busy road. Sometimes the weather is comfortable and others it is not. But the journey is worth it. We must never give up.

These are really challenging times we are living through, but this is not unique to us. The world has always been in tumult, and God is always God. He does not change. His love is everlasting. We are here for a reason, and He is always with us.

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Copyright 2026 Ivonne J. Hernandez
Images: Canva