The day began with a trip to the Temple mount, on which the El-Aksa mosque and the Dome of the Rock are located. The golden Dome of the Rock is one of the most recognizable sights in Jerusalem, but the Al-Aksa mosque is actually older. Al-Aksa means “furthest” and for Muslims it is the furthest holy site from Mecca.
Then we went to the Western Wall of the Temple mount, where hundreds of Jews come and pray every day. In order to gain admittance to either of these sites, you have to go through a metal detector like the ones at the airport. My roommate said it was the first time he had to pass through security in order to pray. The Western wall was a beehive of activity with several Bar-Mitzvahs going on and all the attendant pageantry and photographers. It was actually hard to pray, but I did get a chance to go up and pray at the wall, and it was truly a blessing!
After that we went to the alternative site for the tomb of Jesus, which was very peaceful in contrast to the Holy Sepulcher, and I enjoyed that very much. Our group had a brief worship service there with communion.
Me, coming out of the tomb!
Then we went to the church built over Caiaphas’ house, where Peter denied Jesus in the courtyard, and to the upper room site where Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Last Supper.
We ended the day with a powerful presentation by Father Kelly on the Shroud of Turin. They have a replica and quite a display here at Notre Dame in the Museum. This evening, I have a bit of a headache, so I think I’ll turn in.
God bless you all!
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