The pilgrim marches through all kinds of terrain seeking his goal. Over hill and dale, through dark forests and pleasant fields. He endures wild nights of bad weather and sweet days of warm sunshine.
The terrain is not his concern, it is not something he can change. He must focus on a safe journey, and most of all on attaining his goal. To spur him on he recalls the sweet moments, but knows he should not dwell on the times he slipped in the mud, or took a wrong turning. From those experiences he need only learn not to repeat them, and in future take greater care to avoid such dangers. But the goal, the glorious goal must where his attention is turned. He must follow his desire, the desire of true beauty and peace. He is no longer innocent, that he lost early in the journey. But in losing his innocence he stands to gain so much more, if, through the trials of his journey, he can gain goodness and virtue. Innocence can be bestowed on anyone by God, but virtue can only be won by the patience and effort of a true pilgrim.
The terrain is not his concern, it is not something he can change. He must focus on a safe journey, and most of all on attaining his goal. To spur him on he recalls the sweet moments, but knows he should not dwell on the times he slipped in the mud, or took a wrong turning. From those experiences he need only learn not to repeat them, and in future take greater care to avoid such dangers. But the goal, the glorious goal must where his attention is turned. He must follow his desire, the desire of true beauty and peace. He is no longer innocent, that he lost early in the journey. But in losing his innocence he stands to gain so much more, if, through the trials of his journey, he can gain goodness and virtue. Innocence can be bestowed on anyone by God, but virtue can only be won by the patience and effort of a true pilgrim.
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