Day 8

Day 8: Jan 18, Jerusalem: Mt. Of Olives - Gethsemane - Mt. Zion - Western Wall 
Theme: Palm Sunday and the Agony in the Garden 
From the Mount of Olives take in the panoramic view of Jerusalem. Then to the Pater Noster shrine, where Jesus taught His disciples the Pater Noster — The Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-4). Walking down the Palm Sunday Road stop at the beautiful little church, Dominus Flevit - “The Lord wept.” It was here that Jesus wept over Jerusalem [Luke 19:41]. At Gethsemane reflect on Jesus’ final night. The Garden contains trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus. Visit the Church of All Nations to pray at the “Rock of Agony,” a section of bedrock identified as the place where Jesus prayed alone in the garden on the night of His arrest. Visit the Western Wall, to see all that remains of the Temple compound that dates to the time of Jesus. From here we will continue to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas where He was interrogated and imprisoned. Now called Peter in Gallicantu (“crowing rooster”), this beautiful Church also commemorates Peter’s Denial of Christ, his repentance and then being forgiven by Jesus. After Mass we will go up to Mt. Zion to visit the Upper Room, which commemorates the Last Supper. Nearby is the Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.



A few changes to our schedule today, but it was an excellent day.  We have been going fast and furious, so I haven't had time to compile my notes/thoughts during the day.  And, as much as I am in denial, our time here is almost at an end.

We began on the peak of the Mount of Olives, and saw the Church of the Ascension, where Jesus ascended into Heaven.  Then, we descended the Mount of Olives along Palm Sunday road.  It wasn't called that at the time of Jesus, obviously, but it was the road he took when he entered the city and the crowds cheered and laid cloaks and palm branches down in front of him.  It was a very winding path.  Along the way, we stopped at Dominus Flevit church, which means 'The Lord wept.'  We were able to celebrate Mass there, which was incredible.  Although the weather seems cold to the locals, it's been a nice break from the temperatures in the teens or lower back home, with wind chills to boot.  That being said, that church was mighty chilly, as our breath was visible :-)  Nevertheless, it was an incredible celebration.  The church provides an amazing view, especially of the Temple area in the Old City.  It was where Jesus looked over the city and wept for it (see Luke 19:41).  In the homily, Fr. talked about weeping and the emotion that is involved.  He had us think about a time we experienced raw emotion.  He said that our tears show our love, and so Jesus' tears and distress showed his compassion and love for Jerusalem.  I, again, thought of Tasha.  It was a comfort to know Jesus experienced the deep, gut-wrenching sadness that is alll too often part of life.  The trees directly in front of the church were the same type that were used to make the crown of thorns in Jesus' time.  Wow.  I got a sprig of the tree, and those thorns are long and sharp!  All throughout the Mount of Olives are tombs, as it is the cemetary for the Jews.  I had no idea how extensive the space was/is.  

The road led us to the Garden of Gethsemane.  It was incredible to see olive trees whose roots date back to the time of Jesus.  We even saw the olive tree that was planted by Pope Francis.  It is teeny compared to the mammoths in the space.  All Nations Church or Church of the Agony was impressive.  It was designed by the builder to emulate an olive grove at night, so the windows are minimal and covered with a more opaque stained glass.  Beautiful space.  Inside, in front of the altar, was the stone where Jesus sweated blood when he prayed while the disciples slept.  That was pretty incredible.  

This isn't the end of our day's events, but it is the end of my day as we begin tomorrow bright and early in order to get to Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  Sooooo excited!  Sweet dreams!