Mark is is a character in my musical, El Camino, who may be a little inspired by my own journey. He’s a pastor with many years of service who is wondering If he might have “lost his way along the way.” The call to be a pastor is a blessing, but it can also be confusing and frustrating. Mark admits that “I started out with confidence, everything was clear,” but “I lost my way along the way. My heart and soul have debts to pay.” Like many other pilgrims who have ventured to walk the Camino he hopes that he will encounter the spirit of St. James, one who know how to walk the way of Jesus.

God has high expectations for those who accept the call as a pastor. But God also showers abundant blessings upon them. When I was ordained a pastor by my bishop to serve Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chicago he said, “remember Andy, you are called to be a good shepherd but Jesus is the Good Shepherd.” Sometimes the best thing a pastor can do is simply follow Jesus hoping the flock will follow. Mark asks Santiago “Will you go with me all of the way to the end? I will need your courage my good friend.” We can all take comfort from these words of The Good Shepherd:

Matthew 11: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Pastor Andy