We begin the day on the banks of the River Jordan as we leave the Galilee and turn our hearts towards Jerusalem. Bishop John reminds us that Jesus did just this - leaving behind his ministry in Galilee for all that lay ahead.We stop at Yardemit by the River Jordan. At only 9 a.m. the site is bustling with parties of pilgrims all wanting to do as we will do - renew their baptismal vows in the River Jordan.
Listen to the Gospel reading
Some pilgrims, white robed, are already in the river. We Anglicans take a lower key approach: a short service (against another glorious backdrop) with the opportunity for those who wish to be anointed with the oil of Chrism. Bishop John tells us that we are saying "yes, I'm with you" to God (like Mary, like Simon Peter and the other disciples) and his response is "I was always with you anyway."
Some pilgrims, white robed, are already in the river. We Anglicans take a lower key approach: a short service (against another glorious backdrop) with the opportunity for those who wish to be anointed with the oil of Chrism. Bishop John tells us that we are saying "yes, I'm with you" to God (like Mary, like Simon Peter and the other disciples) and his response is "I was always with you anyway."
Jericho
We leave the River Jordan and Israel and drive on the West Bank. Jericho lies ahead: it is the oldest city in the world, around 10,000 years old. It's hot, very hot; it is also one of the lowest cities of the world, at 1000 ft below sea level.
Our guide reminds us that Joshua and his army marched around the city of Jericho for seven days and seven nights to bring down the walls. The original city was abandoned in 400 BC. It was excavated by the famous British archaeologist, Dame Kathleen Kenyon, and her team.
From the tel, we can see modern Jericho, nestling in the fertile plain, surprisingly green in the desert. Above us is the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. A monastery clings to the steep and inhospitable slopes, and higher still, the remains of a Crusader fortification.
After lunch - and some shopping for souvenirs - we move on, through the Judean mountains. Bedouin nomads still populate the rocky terrain, herding their flocks and moving from place to place. It is a vivid reminder of the Old Testament. We catch a glimpse of the Dead Sea, which is 1300 ft below sea level.
We leave the River Jordan and Israel and drive on the West Bank. Jericho lies ahead: it is the oldest city in the world, around 10,000 years old. It's hot, very hot; it is also one of the lowest cities of the world, at 1000 ft below sea level.
Our guide reminds us that Joshua and his army marched around the city of Jericho for seven days and seven nights to bring down the walls. The original city was abandoned in 400 BC. It was excavated by the famous British archaeologist, Dame Kathleen Kenyon, and her team.
From the tel, we can see modern Jericho, nestling in the fertile plain, surprisingly green in the desert. Above us is the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. A monastery clings to the steep and inhospitable slopes, and higher still, the remains of a Crusader fortification.
After lunch - and some shopping for souvenirs - we move on, through the Judean mountains. Bedouin nomads still populate the rocky terrain, herding their flocks and moving from place to place. It is a vivid reminder of the Old Testament. We catch a glimpse of the Dead Sea, which is 1300 ft below sea level.
Bethany
And now to Bethany, the place Jesus made his home, where he really relaxed with good friends. To reach it, we drive past Ma'aleh Adummim, a prosperous Jewish, illegal settlement, in stark contrast to the character of some of the Palestinian villages.
In Bethany we gather in the church that commemorates the raising of Lazarus. This is the third church on this site: the current one replaces earlier Byzantine and Crusader ones.
We hear the story of Mary and Martha. Bishop John asks us whose side we are on - and the group is divided, but more favoured Martha. He says that rather than imagining the message is that a contemplative approach to faith is superior to an activist one, we should realise that this is one moment in a story. "We all need to be a mix of Mary and Martha," he says, "and we all need each other."
In Bethany we gather in the church that commemorates the raising of Lazarus. This is the third church on this site: the current one replaces earlier Byzantine and Crusader ones.
We hear the story of Mary and Martha. Bishop John asks us whose side we are on - and the group is divided, but more favoured Martha. He says that rather than imagining the message is that a contemplative approach to faith is superior to an activist one, we should realise that this is one moment in a story. "We all need to be a mix of Mary and Martha," he says, "and we all need each other."
Its all too much-renewing baptismal vows in the Jordan-Early morning Eucharist-Mary and Martha-who do we support-Martha of course-but then I supported the elder brother- ,and I got that wrong as well!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures and slide show-its all happening over there-I feel just like Martha!
If you come acroos them please give my best wishes to Gill and Derek Lester.
Pilgrim Ross