What is Faith?

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I got smart today and took a five hour guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. I say "got smart" because it is a labryinth inside and there is so much to see and so much that has historical and religious significance. Again, I cannot stress how much I marvel at how so many different cultures co-exist in a relatively small area of land. I also understand why people of so many faiths revere so many of these sites.

Faith is a very funny term. To some it is just an innate sense of belief and source of comfort in an otherwise confusing world. For others, it is their reason for being, the centre of their universe and in some cases, they wear "blinders" to block out any possible threats or conflicts that challenge them. I don't quite know where I fit in the scheme of things, but I am very moved by many of the sites I have seen so far. The Temple on the Mount is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims and despite incredible security measures to enter the area, I was mesmerized by the gold plating on the roof, recently funded and renovated by the King of Jordan. People of the Muslim faith believe that this is the actual site where Mohammed ascended to Heaven. Jews believe it is the site where all creation began. In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, just across the way, Christians believe the church is built upon the site where Christ was crucified. Within the church itself, you can see the crack in the ground where it was said an earthquake suddenly occured and Christ's blood ran down the crack as he lay dying on the cross.

Pilgrims converged on all of the sites. Some prayed, some wept, some stood there with cameras and ensured their own immortality via technology. In either case, I was moved by everything I saw and understood a little bit better what faith is and what it means to me. Tomorrow I am travelling to Bethlehem and hope that the border checkpoint will not be an issue. As a child growing up with Christmas carols and knowledge of the scriptures that speak of this sacred place, I am very excited and eager. I have learned already that none of these sites can actually "prove" to be the places so revered by so many people...science and technology will put up quite a battle I am sure. But I have learned, that just knowing that these are the sites where such momentous events have occured is enough for me and that perhaps now I will not count myself among the people Jesus referred to as, "Ye, of so little faith".

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Comments

[Laura]

Our Trip
Kevin: I can't tell you how much I am enjoying "our" trip. I read every blog and enjoy your point-of-view, your storytelling, your wit and your reflections. I soooo needed this vacation. Thanks, Laura xxx

[jude]

What is Faith?
Ahhhh so nice Kevin, What is faith? such a lovely day you had. Faith is kind of like knowing something that you can't see but hope and believe to be true, just like a seed, and with care and nourishment that seed strengthens and becomes something very real, so faith can with the above become a testimony. I love all the things you said, obviously very touched by this Sacred Ground and I am so moved by all the pictures you are so fortunate to be experiencing this. I am especially excited to know about Bethlehem, take care Kevin, soak in all the beauty and all the experience each and every day, Beautiful journal you have going here, hate to call it a "Blog" it is a great adventure I am reading luv jude

[ken barichello]

your timing is so right for bethlehem
Hope they have room for you at the inn! Your getting too old for the discomfort of sleeping in a barn. I am so pleased you are in awe of all that you are seeing. Love the descriptive details and your insights. Didn't have much time to respond to the last few blogs as we just got back from a week of gloriously sunny weather in Cuba. Did our usual thing of handing out the gifts [actually touched 35 individuals with gifts] from jeans to t-shirts, soccer jerseys, jewelry, scarves, earings, chocolates ,towels and teddy bears. Taking it easy now as we get ready for Madeira. Enjoy your Holy Land adventures.. and keep up the faith. Ken

[cindy]

Hey Kev, I wish we had connected sooner! We arrived in Jerusalem ourselves on December 3rd! It would have been nice to see you! Israel was a fascinating place. And your trip hit all the highlights. And you've managed to capture the mood and feel of the place. Enjoy your journey!

[Marie]

Within the church itself, you can see the crack in the ground where it was said an earthquake suddenly occurred and Christ's blood ran down the crack as he lay dying on the cross.
Kevin, Reading your blog, I wanted to comment on the above noted comment described in the title. You are correct in mentioning about Christ's blood and where it is believed to have run down from the cross. The fathers of the church say that on that spot, Noah had buried Adam's head. Christ's blood by touching it, He blessed Adam and all the people that followed as his descendants. If you notice in Eastern Orthodox Icons of the Crucifixion, you will see that at the bottom of the cross there is a skull depicted. That is Adam's skull and through him, all humanity is blessed. As the Christian Orthodox chant during Easter of His Resurrection: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death and bestowing life to those in the tombs." May the Lord bless you and keep you under His cloak of protection always.