Today was an epic day in the Holy Land. After some solid sleep, we had a delicious breakfast and then began our journey into the Old City of Jerusalem. Here we visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This church is actually build upon Calvary. We were able to touch a piece of the rock of Calvary, where Jesus died. It was such an intimate feeling to be able to witness first-hand the place where my savior suffered and died for me. We also were able to view the tomb where Jesus' body was placed once he died. Later in the week we will actually celebrate Mass both on Calvary in the chapel there and in the tomb.
Chapel built upon Calvary where Jesus died.
After visiting the church, we began our journey into Bethlehem. Bethlehem isn't exactly how I have always pictured it to be- and it definitely isn't well portrayed in our version of the nativity scene. Nonetheless, we were able to journey down to the cave where Christ was born- yes it was a cave, not a stable. We venerated this place. While waiting to go down, our guide, John, suggested that while there we pray for the grace to allow our hearts to make room for Jesus, because just like all the homes were filled, often our hearts are filled with so many other things that we fail to leave room for Jesus. Definitely something for me to ponder and pray about.....
Some of our group venerating the birthplace of Jesus!
After visiting the church, we had Christmas Day Mass in St Catherine's Church, in the cave of St Joseph! This is where the angel appeared to St Joseph and told him to return to Egypt a different way with Mary and Jesus after the census. It was a beautiful gift, on Fathers Day nonetheless, to pray in St Joseph's cave for all fathers! Fr Thomas shared with us that in the eastern church's during the Christmas season, it is common to say "Christ is born." to people. The response then is, "Glorify Him". This is what we are all called to do in our lives- to glorify Him. How am I doing with this...something else to pray on and ponder in my heart.
Mass in the cave of St Joseph!
After Mass, we traveled to the countryside of Jude's to visit El Karim, the place of St Elizabeth and John the Baptist's home. It was a beautiful church dedicated to Our Lady. Here we talked about the visitation and were reminded how everything that happened in the New Testament was prefigured in the Old Testament. Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant, leads us to Her Son, just as the ark of the covenant lead people towards God.
Churchbof thr Visitation!
Hillside of Judea, town where St Elizabeth lived.
Our day began with the end of Jesus' life and ended with the beginning of it. It was such a beautiful day! I still can't believe I am here in the Holy Land experiencing all of this! Thank you, Jesus, for this blessing!
With Christmas joy,
Julie
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