Debit Cards - also known as bank cards - check cards - are plastic cards used to pay for goods or services via electronic access to financial institutions. Some cards have a stored value which allows payment - most send a request to the cardholder's bank to withdraw funds from a designated bank account. The card - where accepted - may be used instead of cash. In many countries - debit cards have become so widespread that their volume has overtaken or entirely replaced checks/cheques - in some instances - cash transactions. Unlike credit and charge cards - payments using a debit card are immediately transferred from the cardholder's bank account. Debit cards usually also allow for instant withdrawal of cash - acting as the ATM - cash card - for withdrawing cash at ATM machines - Bancomats - Telebanco stations. While walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain - we found large cities accepted both types of cards. On the Camino - itself - in small villages and towns - which comprise perhaps 90 percent of the Camino path - only cash is accepted. Those walking the Camino need to be aware that in those remote areas of Spain - it is strictly a cash economy - for beds - bars - food - groceries. Paying in Euros - instead of a card - was actually liberating in a sense. You selected - paid in Euros - transaction completed. Simple - easy - no stress - the way of the Camino - direct and immediate payment - in full.
When Jesus died on the cross - for you - for me - He paid our debit - for the sins committed - past and future. He did not use a credit or debit card to pay the price - nor did He use cash - rather He paid with His life - His blood. Nobody had to coerce or beg Him to do that - He did it freely - of His own will - for one reason and one reason only. His love for us - each of us. If I were the only sinner in the entire world - I know He would still have died - just for me - because that is in God's plan. Salvation for all - male and female - rich and poor - black and white - young and old - for all. As we walk these last weeks of Lent - as we continue our Lenten Camino - may we constantly keep in our minds what Jesus did for each of us - and why. We owe Him a debt - for paying once - for all - for our sins - in full.
Deacon Dale
Deacon Dale
