In World War Two the Allies attempted a huge operation (Market Garden), and in a movie adaptation of the event, the poignant line in the was “I fear we tried to reach a bridge too far.”
Since embarking upon the Camino, I have been able to cross every bridge we came upon. In fact, many of the ancient Roman bridges were quite long, some quite high, others with very low sides…but presented no problems. So, as we approached the town of Portomarin, I was growing somewhat thoughtful of being able to cross that bridge across a very wide river into the town. As we came down the hill and approached the bridge it was apparent that the water was really high…highest I had ever seen from any pictures. In fact, it made the bridge seem very low to the water…I started to think I might have a real chance at crossing this hummer. The closer we got, the more I hoped, then as we turned the corner of the road to enter the bridge it happened…the bridge was so long, so flat, and the walkway was very small - single file only…that it was a deal breaker - we had gone a bridge too far! Had it been double file, I might have made it. Had I been able to walk in the middle, I’m sure I could have made it. But walking that far, right next to a drop off with a 3 foot rail between me and my poor balance - this was a bridge too far!
Sue and Ray headed across the bridge. Ray was having a great time, dashing over the barrier across the lanes to the other side to get pictures, then back to Sue as they made their way to the other side of the river. I waited…safely ensconced in the information booth that explains the history of Portomarin. It seems that in the 1950s they decided to build a dam on the river and in building the dam, that would mean the end for the town of Portomarin. The river would widen, it would deepen and the old Roman bridge built centuries before would now be under 60 feet of water…and the town too. So, they built a new bridge…and they built a new town, a new Portomarin. They saved several (3) buildings, and moved them brick by brick up the hill to be the center of the new town. One of the buildings is this square temple (church) built by the knights who protected pilgrims on The Way (see picture).
There is something about following The Way. It’s demanding, physically, emotionally, and spiritually…but it with its demands there is also growth, and with its demands there is also mercy and grace. None of us will ever be able to follow the demands of The Way entirely. Each of us needs others to assist us in walking The Way as well. And there are times that each of us need to be ready to understand the illogical needs of those around us, and help them across their own bridge too far, so that we can continue together as we journey along The Way.
Ultreia!