Divided but United We Stand

It has been interesting to me, as it always is, to notice the cultural differences when traveling, especially here in Israel! The city of Jerusalem is divided into four corners: the Christian quarter, the Jewish quarter, the Muslim quarter, and the Armenian quarter. Each of these groups live and socialize primarily with their particular group. They work hard to protect their area and the churches and historical places that they have control over. Being from America, it is difficult to understand the "necessity" to differentiate between cultures, races, and genders. So much of Israel is a clash or "fight" for control of the holy sites. Many of the Holy sites are holy to more than one group. 

For example, this morning we went to the Western Wall, or Wailing Wall, as the Jewish people call it.  We were scheduled to go to the Temple Mount. Prior to going, we received strict instructions to clothe ourselves in as much clothing as possible- I am talking to the floor skirts or pants (in full sun 90 degree weather), long sleeve shirts, and neck line covered- for fear they would turn us away from entering. You see, the Muslims control the Temple Mount and demand strict instructions relating to attire. However, due to an incident a few days ago, the Israeli Police shut down the Temple Mount until after Ramadan, thus rendering it not possible for us to visit. This action was the government basically telling the Muslims that if they can't live there peacefully (the incident involved a Muslim stabbing an Israeli police), then they wouldn't have access to their place of worship. So, we simply walked around to the other side and went to the western wall. Here, particularly Jews, come to pray for the rebuilding of the temple that was destroyed many years ago. Yet, we as Catholics know, the temple was rebuilt, the temple being that of Jesus Christ. We are now the temples who house the Messiah when we receive him in Holy Communion. Even though the western wall doesn't have any significance for Catholics, it was still interesting to visit and observe the faithful Jews who come there in prayer from all over the world. At the Weatern Wall, women and men were divided on different sides of the wall- again something that was interesting to observe. It was here that I began to reflect on how I am doing living as a temple. Do I prepare my heart for Jesus to rest there? Is my temple a place of hospitality? When I greet others and interact with them, is it Jesus they see in the temple of my heart through my words and actions? 

Here we are clothed heavily and ready to visit the western wall! 

Here the women pray at the Western Wall! 

After going to the Western Wall, we visited a museum where we saw a replica of what Jerusalem  looked like in Jesus' time. I am surprised how close everything is to each other. When I have heard or read biblical accounts of Jerusalem, I always imagined things to be very spread out. 

A view of Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. It is outside of the walls of the city right by the open doorway in the middle of the photo. 

By far one of my favorite places today was our next stop- the Upper Room. Here, Jesus gather with his apostles for the Last supper, and here he also appeared to his apostles and sent the Holy Spirit to them on Pentecost. He instituted three sacraments here: Eucharist, Reconcilliation, and Holy Orders. Pentecost is the birthday of the church. To think that all of this took place here is just mind blowing! Our guide John reminded us that the church was renewed on this day, and each Pentecost we ask for a continued renewal of our church. We were also challenged to ask Jesus to renew our hearts and make them new again. What in my heart needs renewing? 

The Upper Room

After the upper room, we visited the church of the Dormition of Mary. Here it is believed that Mary fell asleep in the Lord. It is in close proximity to the upper room, rendering us to realize that Mary wanted to be close to her son in the Eucharist. Our guide challenged us to ask Mary to make her home in our hearts and help us to be a disciple as she was. 

Mosaic in church showing Mary and the apostles on Pentecost. 

Site of dormition of Mary! 

We celebrated Mass today at a chapel near the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus raised the parlytic. We also tasted some delicious Aremenian food for lunch and did a bit of shopping at a Christian store in Bethlehem, to help the Christians. Christians used to make up about 25% of the population. Today, they make up only 1%. Much of the population has moved to other countries because of the rise of Islam in the area. Yet, those who remain are steadfast in their faith and protecting the holy sites. 

Whiles Jews, Muslims, and Christians are divided in their beliefs, their place of residence, and their values, one thing unites them- their drive to maintain the holy sites for their people. They are divided but united in the desire to practice and live out their faith in whatever way they can. Most of the time, they live peacefully side by side, rarely crossing paths with the other groups. Jesus, I pray for a continued outpouring of pace in the Holy Land and peace in our world. Take away all that divides us and lead us close to you. May we live as temples of you and proclaim you in word and deed to all we meet. Amen

Blessings, 

Julie