Luke's gospel says that after she had heard the angel's message about her own impending pregnancy, Mary set out to visit with her kinswoman Elizabeth. We're not told too much about were this visit took place, but the people of Israel know the answer to that question too.
Today, we bid farewell to the Dan Jerusalem and set out for the village of En Karem, on the way to the airport. En Karem is the place where (it is rumored) that John the Baptist was born. What a wonderful way to cap off our tour! A stop in this little village and specifically at the church of Saint John, allowed us to pay homage to one last holy place, and to pray Lauds (that's Morning Prayer) in the church dedicated to his memory. Why Morning Prayer, you may ask? The answer is quite simple.
An integral part of Morning Prayer is the recitation of the Benedictus, and this was the prayer that was uttered when Zechariah regained his power of speech, after naming his son John. What a miraculous and wonderful way to end our pilgrimage.
On to the airport and the adventure of flying home.
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