Jerusalem, my happy home?

Before I begin today’s saga, I encourage you to read yesterday’s posting again. I’ve expanded the information about Rabbi Michael and also added information about the young Palestinian woman who spoke to us last night.

We left Bethlehem this morning at 8:30, with the ultimate destination Jerusalem and the Gloria Hotel.  Our first stop was Bethany—the home of Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus. A few powerful memories I will carry with me.

Mary, Martha and Jesus in a mural

The site purported to be Lazarus’ tomb was there, of course, with a modern church close by. The church, designed by Antonio Barluzzi and built in 1952-54, has no windows, to mimic a tomb. The only light comes through small openings in the dome. I spent some time there, meditating on Martha and Mary. Martha gets a bad rap, I think—in my life, I have found that I’d important to have a balance between being and doing. During my time reflecting there, from our group emerged spontaneously the Taize chant Bless the Lord, my soul…it was a holy moment for me…As we headed back to the bus, we stopped at a lovely garden, where we pondered Martha and Mary

Next we went to the house of Caiphas, the High Priest’s house, where Peter denied Jesus, and where Jesus was arrested and spent a long night abandoned and alone before his crucifixion the next day. There is a dungeon there that is thought to have been the place Jesus spent that last night, perhaps being tortured and put in a small dark pit. 

I went to the dungeon, but didn’t continue to the pit. It was a small area, and very difficult to get in and out. It was also very crowded with people—I chose to go spent some quiet time in the chapel there and meditate on our Lord’s last night.  This experience will color my own experience of  the time between the ending of the Maundy Thursday service and Good Friday.

Stained glass dome

There’ a church built above all of this—a contemporary church that I really loved.  Women were featured there, and there was an amazing cross of stained glass built into the dome.  There was also a beautiful view of the Old City we were able to glimpse before leaving.

We had lunch at a lovely old restaurant. Then, the plan was to go to the Israeli Museum. But on the way, we were caught in the midst of a protest march! People were protesting the very conservative new governments plan to reform the judicial system—taking away power from the judicial system and giving too much power to the executive branch. 

After spending nearly an hour in the snarled traffic, the decision was made to go settle in at our new hotel. We arrived at the Gloria Hotel at about 4:30. As we arrived at the hotel, our friend Peggi Gregory was there to welcome us (she knew we were coming!) After we settled in, she shared a bottle of wine with us before she left for dinner with her group. 

After a good dinner, we went to a fantastic light show that chronicled Jerusalem’s history in lights—the animation was spectacular, but it was chilly sitting outdoors. We were glad to return to a warm hotel! 

Tomorrow it’s early rising and breakfast at 6:30 with the bus leaving at 7:15 to try to beat the crowds at the Mount of Olives…