Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The Mount of Olives


Panoramic View of model of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum
View at Yad Vashem
The past few days have been somewhat of a pause in following the narrative of Luke's gospel.  Yesterday we spent time at the Israel Museum (far too short a time), and at Yad Vashem (a sobering experience).

Today we head to the Mount of Olives, visiting a cluster of churches commemorating Jesus' final few days before the crucifixion.  We will visit Pater Noster (Our Father), Dominus Flevit (The Lord Wept), and the Garden of Gethsemane.  I am looking forward to getting back to spending some time in these holy spaces.

Looking forward, a friend from seminary gave me a tip about our visit...One can ask permission to stay the night (in vigil) at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  They take 15 people each night, and give you the admonition, "No sleeping!"  The doors are locked at 9:00pm and reopen at 5:00am. (The key to the church has been in the custody of two Muslim families since the 13th century).  We are about 80% sure we want to spend the night there.  It is not often one has the opportunity...stay tuned.

Only one more post before we head home to Texas.  We have been grateful for your prayers and have kept you, our friends and family, in ours.

With love,
Chris & Bryn

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