On New Year’s Day we hiked the trail around Oberg Mountain. Enough people had walked it that we didn’t need our snowshoes. You did have to be careful not to step off the trail or you would find yourself thigh deep in the snow. Our sister-in-law made one such misstep. We laughed and helped her back on to the path.
Miraculously we didn’t see any other groups as we made our way. The Oberg Trail is often crowded, but that day during the first half of a Vikings/ Packers game we had it to ourselves. We stopped often at the overlooks and stood in silence. It was so beautiful with the snow clinging to the dark rocks and trees. And a light frost painted the branches of the balsam trees with white crystals.
We made our way around the circular trail as we began another circle around the sun. As we tromped along, we remembered those who had walked this way with us in the past. We have hiked this trail with lots of our family members, including Tim’s brother and sister, both who have died in recent years. It was good to share some stories of them as we walked together.
After returning home I found this quote for New Years and Epiphany, which is January 6 and marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, “A new year has begun. During this year, too, all the paths from east to west, from morning until evening, lead on and on as far as the eye can see, through the deserts of life, with all its changes. But these paths can be turned into the blessed pilgrimage to the absolute, the journey to God. Set out, my heart, take up the journey! The star shines. You can’t take much with you on the journey. And you will lose much on the way. Let it go. Gold of love, incense of yearning, myrrh of suffering – these you certainly have with you. He shall accept them. And we shall find him”. -Karl Rahner, The Great Church Year
Set out, my heart, take up the journey! We too are called to journey on. Let us trust that there is light enough to find our way, even in these deepest winter days. We might have to help one another get back on the path when we find ourselves in too deep. But, Epiphany reminds us to join the magi and look up. Look up and see the light glittering in the snow. Follow the blue marks left by others on the tree trunks. And trust the stars that show us the way to a peasant child who grew to be the light of the world.
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