“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them…” (Lk 24.13-15a)
On our last day in Jerusalem we were up early, leaving at 6 am for our Stations of the Cross journey. Carrying a cross, we followed the route Jesus would have taken from his trial to his burial. There were many other Christian groups going along the same journey. I found the experience very meaningful until we reached the last stations – Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Because we are not Catholic we were not allowed to do those stations inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher – the location of Jesus’ death and burial. Thus Protestant Christian groups complete those stations on the roof of the church. Something was lacking for me knowing the true sites were beneath me and as a Christian I was not allowed to worship at Christianity’s holiest site.
We have run into this over and over – such and such a group has the rights for worship here and not others. The Muslims only allow Muslims to worship at the Dome of the Rock. However I find that fact that Christian groups prohibit other Christian groups from worshipping despicable.
We had about an hour free after we competed the stations. My friend and I made our way to the Western Wall. This has become a holy site for me, partly because the Jews welcome everyone, no matter your faith. It also seemed fitting to end the trip the way we began. I have found God at this wall.
The Western Wall was unusually crowded today. On the walk back to the school we came upon a road that was barricaded with about six Israeli soldiers standing in front of it. Many Muslim women were standing in front screaming. The soldiers were preventing access to the Dome of the Rock – the Muslim holy site. It turns out today is Jerusalem day and there are many more Jews in Jerusalem than usual. The Israelis on days like today close areas off to Muslims. Closing off their holy area makes things particularly tense. An example of how conflicting needs ratchet up tensions in this area.
After a late breakfast we went on to Emmaus (today Abu Ghosh) where we celebrated the risen Christ with Eucharist. Quite a contrast from the tension between the Muslims and the Jews.
We have completed our last field trip. Now to finish our shopping, and the shopping is good in Israel!
Looking Out Seeing Within 