When you think of pilgrims, does the mind go to the time you walked on rocks with bare feet, when your feet would be sore and bleeding but you did not feel them, for you were walking in grace - letting your inner self be the guide and your body just an empty shell that is forgotten when you are dedicated to the quest you have set yourself on.
Today's pilgrims are just as much dedicated but in a different way. The quest is inside yourself for you could wear shabby clothes and beg for all you eat but still be unfaithful to yourself, for nothing can hide the truth from yourself.
You may pride yourself on being clean but water cannot wash away the toxins that cloud your soul - it takes a lot more thought to cleanse your soul. I don't mean sterile for there are many good and happy memories that can help on your long journey to feed your soul when you enter barren lands.
The rough ground and the rocks are just as hard, being only in your imagination, the pain you suffer just as real but not visible. The elation you feel as you conquer each barrier will be visible to all for it shows in your eyes and your voice, for you have that inner calmness in everything you do which always creates success. For you have and can feel the grace of the Divine Creator - his hand on your head like a crown and everything you touch will turn to gold, not as in this world but the golden glow of glory.
Many have written about this and say they have been born again, but I say to you, this can all come about when you know that you are chosen and can believe.