The Scallop Shell
On this day we remember Saint James the Apostle (July 25), I’m reflecting on the symbol identified with him and his story, the scallop shell.
James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, was a Galilean fisherman who faithfully followed Jesus, was one of his inner circle, and was the first Apostle to die for him. According to Acts 12, King Herod had James put to death with a sword.
Tradition holds that followers of Jesus placed James’ body in a boat and traveled in the Mediterranean Sea towards Spain. Legend says that when the boat came ashore, a rider and his horse were spooked, fell into the ocean, and re-emerged covered in scallop shells. Another legend says the boat was made with scallop shells. In any case, the remains of the Apostle James are in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims made their way along the Camino de Santiago, carrying a scallop shell. Pilgrims today wear the scallop shell on their backpacks as they walk the 500-mile Camino. I have seen these scallop shells on paths to guide pilgrims at many locations in France as well as on the approach to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The scallop shell has become the symbol for pilgrimage, for a spiritual journey of transformation. The scallop shell is also a symbol for baptism, a renewed life in Christ, rebirth and resurrection. The scallop shell is often used to pour water on the baptized person’s head. We will have a baptism this Sunday, perhaps with a scallop shell.
I offer this Pilgrim’s Prayer from the 12th Century for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela:
Pilgrim's Prayer (Codex Calixtinus, 12th century illuminated manuscript)
God, You called your servant Abraham from Ur in Chaldea, watching over him in all his wanderings, and guided the Hebrew people as they crossed the desert. Guard these your children who, for the love of your Name, make a pilgrimage to Compostela. Be their companion on the way, their guide at the crossroads, their strength in weariness, their defense in dangers, their shelter on the path, their shade in the heat, their light in the darkness, their comfort in discouragement, and the firmness of their intentions; that through your guidance, they may arrive safely at the end of their journey and, enriched with grace and virtue, may return to their homes filled with salutary and lasting joy.(journeywithjesus.net)
Blessings on our journey,
Judy Q+
