The formal program for today began in the town of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. In fact, if Jesus was walking from one to the other of these cities, it would have taken little more than an half hour. Bethany was the place where his good friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Bethany was the place where he knew the tender love and welcome of friends. This was the place where he came to be comforted even before he entered Jerusalem in those final days of his life.
We too came to this town, now a city in its own right, to celebrate in the House of the Poor as the Church of Mary and Martha is now referred to. Here, we asked for the grace to be welcomed, and to welcome. We gave thanks for the gift of friends, and we prayed for their good. Even prayer space is at a premium in these places, as pilgrims arrive from all parts of the globe, competing for an altar, a place to pray, a moment to contemplate and an opportunity to have a prayer or two heard.
Continuing the theme of friends and comfort, today was a day for touring in the area, including a stop at Jericho, and a climb to the hilltop fortress of Masada, yet another of Herod's creations, the story of which has been written about and brought alive in film. Actually scaling the walls of this place is an awe-inspiring thing, one not to be missed.
From the heights of Masada, we desended to 400 feet below sea level, to the shores of the Dead Sea. Here we visited the world famous Ahava cosmetic company, and spent a few hours playing and floating in the sea. After a float or two, and the odd mud pack (using the prized mineral muds found on the sea bed) it was time to set sail for home. With the twilight hours upon us, we bid farewell to a day of fun and frolicking, a day of remembering and giving thanks, a day of praying and prasing.
All to be begun again tomorrow.
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