Commentary for Wednesday 1-23-13

Wednesday 1/23

Jerusalem
Temple Mount, Western Wall (Wailing Wall), Church of the Assumption (tomb of Mary), Mass at Church of St. Anne (birthplace of Mary), Pool of Bethesda ruins, lunch in the Armenian Quarter at Bulguri and Church of the Dormition (where Mary lived and "slept').

Another full day in the Holy Land! Our journey started at the Temple Mount today. The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Israel's worship; here God's presence dwelt with His people. This place is filled with religious and historical significance. This was the original site where Abraham came to sacrifice his son Isaac, and Jacob slept here, dreaming of a ladder to heaven. It was called Mount Moriah. Solomon spent seven years building the first Temple and during the dedication the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. The Temple was destroyed by the Babylonian conqueror Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, Zerubbable rebuilt the second Temple 70 years later. It was in use until the reign of Seleucid King Antiochus IV who defiled the Temple, sparking the Maccabean revolt in 167 BC and the festival of Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees and the restoration of the Temple. It was restored to it's former glory by King Herod the Great 2000 years ago. The Romans under Titus destroyed much of Jerusalem and on the site of The Temple Mount built a shrine to Jupiter. During Byzantine times the Temple Mount was abandoned and when Caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in 683 he built a simple mosque on the Temple Mount considering it to be place of Mohammed's miraculous night journey to heaven. The mosque that resides on this site is known at the Dome of the Rock and the rock that Abraham had offered Isaac can be found inside. It is considered the holiest site of Islam after Mecca and Medina.

The Western Wall has been the center of Jewish yearning for more than 2000 years. The only fragment of the Great Temple to survive the Roman destruction. It is known as the Western Wall because it was built to support the western side of the Temple Mount. It is the most sacred structure of the Jewish people. Until some 700 years ago, the entire length of the Western Wall was accessible. Gradually Mamluke and Moslem conquerors built against it. In 1948, Jordan occupied Jerusalem's Old City and Jews were denied access to the Wall. In 1967 Jerusalem was reunified and the Western Wall was restored to the Jewish people. All people are welcome to visit and pray at the Wall, however, they must respect the Jewish custom. There is a male section and a female section. Males must cover their head with a hat, typically a yamika, acknowledging God above. Now my Jewish friends, if I've gotten any of this history incorrect, just let me know...I've had a massive amount of information come into my head these past days that sometimes it feels like it may burst. It was an honor to participate in this very special Jewish tradition.

From a Catholic perspective, this site gives Christians a reference point, but not a destination. We believe that the Temple exists now through Jesus. We believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the new covenant. What was most moving for me at the site of the Temple Mount was to picture Jesus teaching in the Temple, perhaps even on the spot where we received our teaching today.

The Church of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. Okay, you Catholics in particular may be saying to yourself, tomb???? I thought Mary was assumed into heaven! Yes, a tomb and yes assumed. Here's the history. Mary who resided next to the upper room (now known as the Church of Dormition) after Jesus death and resurrection, fell asleep. The disciples prematurely assumed she died. The carried her to a tomb and laid her in it. Thomas, one of the disciples who wasn't present inquired about this since he had just seen Mary in Jerusalem. Other sightings of Mary have been documented and the body was not in the tomb, however,a sweet fragrance remained. This site is especially venerated by Greek Orthodox.

Church of St. Anne/Pool of Bethesda. This 12th century Crusader church was built over the site of the home of Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary. Located in the crypt of the church is the cave believed to be Mary's birthplace. The church has the most amazing acoustics and we were fortunate enough to have Mass there. It is situated next to the ruins of the Pool of Bethesda. This served as a rain catchment pool during Herod's reign, augmenting Jerusalem's water supply. It was here that Jesus miraculously cured the infirm man on the Sabbath.

Lunch in the Armenian Quarter at Bulgurji, one word - YUM.

Church of the Dormition (Where Mary lived after the death and resurrection of Jesus and where she "fell asleep") Mary's desire was to remain as close to Jesus' ministry as possible. Her home was located next to the upper room of the last supper, which became the first church (Coenaculum). This Church has a beautiful Sanctuary and Crypt with a life sized "sleeping" Mary.

Shopping & Adult Beverages :)