Holy Land Day 6 - Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Our pilgrimage group.  In addition to the Holy Family travelers we have been joined by 3 new friends from Texas and NJ

Today we reached what I would consider the summit experience of our pilgrimage.  While we still have 3 days to go, our visit to the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem today is without a doubt, the heart of our pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  It was an emotional, spiritually moving and physically taxing day.  Everything a pilgrimage promises to be.

Olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane

Our day began atop the Mount of Olives, with its outstanding view of the entire Old City.  We recounted that it was from here that Jesus lamented over Jerusalem and prophesied its fall. We then made the steep walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane the sight of Jesus arrest.

Along the Via Dolorosa

We then made our way to the Old City entering through the Lion's Gate. We visited the site of the pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man, and the Church of St. Anne, the traditional site of the Blessed Mother's place of birth.

We then made our way to the beginning of the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross.  We stopped at each station, shared a meditation and sang, "Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Walking the Way of the Cross was tougher then we expected, the crowds were thick and the streets narrow.  The way was also quite steep, it was not hard to imagine our Lord's struggle.

The interior of the Holy Sepulcher Dome

The way of the cross ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site in Christendom, because within it is the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of the Lord. Again the crowds were quite thick and the renovation projects quite extensive.  We took consolation in the truth that, "He has been raised; he is not here."

The Church of the Milk Grotto

After a stop for lunch and some shopping in Bethlehem, we had the opportunity to celebrate mass at the Church of Mary the Mother of God at the Milk Grotto.  The Milk Grotto is a traditional spot that marks the place the Holy Family departed from before their flight into Egypt.

The Grotto and birth site of Jesus

We then walked a very short distance to the very chaotic Basilica of the Nativity and adjoining Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine.  The crowds were even larger and there were weddings going on in both churches.  But through the assistance of a local guide we were able to visit the traditional sites of the stable and birth place of Jesus Christ.

It was an extraordinary day in which we were privileged to share.  We pray that the blessings of this day bear fruit in our lives.

Manger Square, Bethlehem

P.S. - Yesterday's day ended with a camel ride.  Today I got to climb aboard the vehicle Pope Francis used during his trip here in May of 2014.  

Keep praying for us - we are praying for you.