Today was our last full day in Jerusalem. It's still cold and rainy, verging on sleet, but that didn't stop up. We had a day off and most guys went out to pray at their favorite Churches and do some last minute shopping.
In the afternoon, we had an audience with an Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem. He spoke to us about the conflict in the Middle East. Over the course of this trip my perspectives have changed. I used to think Jerusalem was in conflict because of the three major religions that venerate it. The reality is that Christians in Israel and Palestine are a peaceful minority caught between the two heavy hitters. This is sometimes hard for the local Christians, but it also gives them a unique position to be peacemakers in a turbulent time.
I can't help but see the roots of the small group of early Christians living in Jerusalem surrounded by their brother Jews and the Romans. The Bishop said that true peace can seem impossible, but he reminded us that "nothing will be impossible for God." (Lk 1:37)
Two weeks ago as we entered the city, we recited the beginning of Psalm 122: "I rejoiced when they said to me 'let us go to the house of the Lord.' And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem." Now as we prepare to leave we pray the end of Psalm 122: "For the peace of Jerusalem pray."
God bless!
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I have followed your journey every day with great interest. The images and the comments have been an inspiration. Plurimam vobis habeo gratiam.
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