“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”–Jesus, Matt.23:37
These past two days brought as much contrast as captivating sights. Yesterday was about as beautiful a Galilean day as is possible. From Capernaum to reading Jesus’ words on the Mount of Beatitudes, to the Golan Heights our little group experienced the awe-inspiring surroundings of Jesus’ ministry.
Today brought to us an experience as varied in surroundings as it was in effect. Walking the Old City of Jerusalem is not a jaunt to be grasped until you take the steps upon the limestone streetways. An eerie sense of ‘numb’ grabbed hold of me, an almost ‘no-reaction.’ Even as much of the city is greatly built up from the 1st century, and some of the sights can’t be 100% confirmed you still know you’re pretty close. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains both the believed locations of Golgotha and Jesus’ tomb. How strange and how downright odd to imagine the events so many years ago, and yet, the power of God’s intense love, (even a suffering love), hangs in today’s air.
The city sights are both impressive as well as faith-inspiring. Overlooking the Temple Mount from the west, you see the Mount of Olive’s slope to the east. Breathtakingly beautiful.
The journey continues and my fellow pilgrims are well. We settle in to the International Center of Bethlehem and visit the area tomorrow.
Blessings to all today.
