At the point where my short walk up from my accommodation met the trail coming along from Trevi I encountered 3 Italian pilgrims also making their way to Rome. As we walked companionably together for a while we were then wished "Buon Cammino" by two cyclists who zoomed past us and up the hill - they must have killer calves because neither got off and the hill, as we found shortly after, was very steep!
The climb was worth the effort as it afforded more stunning views on the way:
The three Italians had a faster pace than me at that point and went off ahead of me.
It was nice to follow behind for a bit and not to have to check the trail directions all the time. I also met another couple, who also sped away from me, but we caught up eventually and are incidentally staying at the same accommodation.
There were many beautiful views and more encouragement from the blue/yellow markers as I made my way towards Poreta.
It wasn't all high vistas however, as part of the walk took me past some olive groves and that took my thinking to the events of Maundy Thursday.
What would it have been like to be there with Jesus that night? And would I, like the disciples, also have fallen asleep?
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:40-41
I vaguely remember writing a poem about this some years ago, but unfortunately I don't have the words to hand right now. But I believe it focused on Jesus' ask of the disciples to 'watch and pray'. Is that a question He also asks of us?
The St Francis Camino book (that I mentioned on 13th April) mentions that "Prayer was at the heart of life for Francis. Francis would spend upwards of four or five months, each year, in the mountain hermitages throughout central Italy." (pp.79-80)
This brought me back to what Brother Sam said that day I spent at the Franciscan friary in London: "Prayer is our principal work."
Prayer was important for Jesus - to commune with His heavenly Father, so surely then, it should be equally important for us?
Unfortunately this train of thought was interrupted by my knee making its presence known on a very long gravely track on the way to Poreta. It's still a bit uncomfortable now and my ankle is aching too.
Thankfully though, having made it in good time to where I'm staying overnight I've had opportunity to rest it. Hoping the pain will ease off and I'll be able to manage tomorrow's walk without too many issues!