Saturday, August 18, 2018

#10 - Israel 2018 (FreeDay: King David's Tower/Citadel & Holy Sepulchre)

Today was our free day, but trust me people, there is nothing free here. :) You might be wondering why I use the term “people”, and maybe not, but this is how our guide addresses us every time he starts to say something. Usually the conversation ends with the term, Yalla, which in Arabic means “come on”, or in our case “hurry up”!

After breakfast, we ventured off to King David’s Tower and Citadel, outside of the Jaffa Gate. We walked along the ramparts and saw amazing views of Jerusalem. There was a museum and designated rooms covering each of the major eras from the Canaanite Period (3150 BC) through the establishment of the State of Israel (1948 AD). 

We ate lunch outside at the Christ Church Cafe, and then made our way back to the Holy Sepulchre to bless some of the items we bought. While we were there Marcia sat next to a gentleman who turned out to be the 
“Custodian and Door-Keeper of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher”, Wajeeh Y. Nuseibeh (You can see the photos on her Facebook page). She had a great conversation with him, so don’t forget to ask her about it. David Wallace and I were escorted by one of his family members, and we each took a wrapped stack of bees wax candles for the Holy Fire and lit them at the Tomb of Jesus, and then we were escorted to the Chapel of Joseph of Arimathea. He took the stack of candles, relit them from flame in that chapel, dipped the other end, not burning, in the oil the original flame was burning, and rubbed it on our hands and wrists. He then used the flame to sense the tombs in that area, and then snuffed the candles and places them on the altar. Hevthan had us say the Lord’s Prayer over them; in English and then following his lead in Arabic. What an experience.   

David and I went back out and met the others, and then we made our way back to St. George’s College. Of course, on the way back, we had to stop by Abraham’s, which is the souvenir/gift shop next door. I was looking for special things to give out to those whom I counsel or who find themselves having a hard time. (At this point I’ve realized I now have to take these things back to the Holy Sepulchre to be blessed as well). I spent some time catching up on the blog and then we had dinner. It was a great dinner in the garden and we reflected and shared stories of the 10 days we have spent here. After dinner, David Wallace and I decided to make a trip back to the Holy Sepulchre to bless the newly bought gifts; those they had bought, and mine as well. 

With just the two of us walking, w made it to the Holy Sepulcher in about 15-20 mins. Hardly anyone was there. We went in and placed our items on the Stone of Unction, and I blessed and prayed over them. I also said special prayers for my family, for guidance and strength to be a good and faithful priest, for my family of St. James, and gave praise and thanks to God for the many blessings he has given me. We also walked up to Calvary, and I prayed those same prayers there as well. 

On the way out, we were allowed to enter the Tomb of Christ. I was so overwhelmed, because on my last trip here I never had the chance to go in. I reverenced the altar in the preparation area, and the bent over to enter the small entry way into the Tomb area, where a stone, much like the Stone of Unction, is located. I knelt and prayed,  and it was such a moving experience. Speechless. 

David and I made it back to the college and shared our experience. It was so special. Marcia and I are so blessed,  and have had so many special and memorable moments. This trip is right up there.  Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings; it’s our last day before flying home tomorrow night. Shalom/Salam. 

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