Redeeming Love: Day 6

 Day 6(Sabbath day in Jerusalem) : Visits to The Holy Sepulcher in the old city of Jerusalem and to ABU Gosh ( the road to Emmaus ) in the church of Our Lady of the Resurrection. 

Along the walls toward the Jaffa Gate in the old city Jerusalem 

     It was Saturday morning the day of the Sabbath when we walked to the old city through the Jaffa Gate. It was quiet this morning as some of the shops began to open slowly. When we reached the Christian quarter, the shops with religious articles were out on display along the large cobblestone walkways. We headed directly to the Holy Sepulcher Church and started lining up toward the tomb of Jesus.  The church is guarded by the Greek Catholic/ Orthodox religious community. The line to the tomb was expectedly long but we’re there early enough that it’s not as overwhelming.  This was when the real challenge happened for me . My plan was to be in a proper mindset before seeing the Lord’s tomb yet it took quite awhile because of the noise around me. Some conversations were getting louder and for me , it’s irreverent. After centering myself in prayer , I meditated and started reciting the rosary quietly with my eyes closed . After 2 mysteries ( all the joyful and sorrowful mysteries - meaning 30 mins plus 15 mins wait) , we were standing outside the tomb. I peered through the small entry and it was dark and only lit up by candles . A Greek Orthodox deacon was inside directing people when and where to go inside the tomb. Only 4 people at a time were allowed inside. Then Gabe and I made it to the holding area just before the tomb when I started feeling weak. Then I heard the voice “ next please” that it was finally our turn. 

We all knelt directly in front of the tomb then I felt this  GREAT SURRENDER. .. I trembled, trembled, trembled ! ! ! 

    I stretched out my arms over Christ’s tomb and sobbed . It was HIS LOVE that took my pain away at that very moment while it slowly escaped my body. All I can think of prayerfully was “ into your hands , I commend my spirit “ and  cried out to him from the deepest core of my spirit to “ remember me when you come into your kingdom”. I felt his touch through my husband’s arms around me . My last thoughts before I left the place where he was laid to rest was God’s sacrifice because of his GREAT LOVE FOR US.

Inside the walls of the old city

Outside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher 

Inside the church as pilgrims patiently stood in line to see the tomb to venerate the Lord

The door before the tomb 

Calvary site

Candles lit up by the foot of the cross

    Outside the tomb, I continued to cry and pray until I had enough strength to climb up to the upper chapel where Calvary used to be, where  Jesus was crucified . We lit up an offertory candle for all whom we know are carrying their crosses . 

    Before mass, Gabe and I went outside the church to catch some air and treated ourselves with Arabic coffee before mass.

The mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was held between the tomb and Calvary. The Catholic Chapel is small but the acoustics were incredible . All 120 of us fit inside . The gospel and the homily today was about God’s Redeeming Love. I was reminded about HIS ULTIMATE SACRIFICE by dying on the cross to save us .

Mass Inside the Holy Sepulcher 

Fr. Ryan of St James Cathedral, Seattle 

After the Mass, we had a 2 hour free time to walk around the old city . We had lunch in the Arab Quarter at a restaurant called Abu Shukri for some authentic Palestinian food . We also walked along the Via Dolorosa. Before boarding our bus to our next destination, Gabe and I bought knafe ( a typical Arab sweets ) and shared with our small group . It was such a treat.

From top counterclockwise ( Pita, hummus,, baba ghanouj and felafel)

The 5th Station

Knafe- layers with cheese and drizzled with honey and pistachios 

Our afternoon consisted of a visit to the site of Emmaus where Jesus walked from Jerusalem with 2 disciples and broke bread with them later that night . A very important story in the Bible . St Augustine stated that this is the affirmation of all the prophecies in the Old Testament about the Messiah’s passion , death and resurrection . Therefore , it bridges the Old and New Testaments.

The church is a Crusaders’ church and now a monastery where they make the best Limoncello in Israel.

Frescos inside the church of Our Lady of the Resurrection 

The oldest baptismal font in the world 

Pieta

“   I am the Resurrection and the light “ says the Lord . 

Thank you for reading .