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Published: September 24th 2015
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Since I last wrote, we have returned from the Galilee. On Monday's return journey, we renewed our baptismal promises at the River Jordan and later visited the Crusader Fortress at Belvoir, the ancient city of Bet She’an and the ruins of Bet Alpha Synagogue. On Tuesday evening a few of us attended a beautiful Yom Kippur service at Hebrew Union College. For the Jewish people, this is the most solemn feast of the liturgical year; I was moved by the presence of G-d among those gathered. Yesterday was a classroom day and in the afternoon I had the opportunity to Skype with some of the sophomores at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay. When I finished these Skype sessions with Mrs. Stanczak’s theology classes, I experienced a natural high. It reminded me how much I truly love the classroom. God-willing, I will return to the classroom after ordination.
Today, I walked and prayed the Via Delarosa. Although this Way of the Cross may not actually follow Jesus’ journey toward Calvary, it was a profoundly solemn and prayerful experience. I found myself singing (quietly, and likely out of tune) two of the hymns that I remember singing at Queen of All
III Station: Jesus Falls the 1st Time
We adore you, O Christ, and we love you. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Saints Grade School in Michigan City.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble! tremble! tremble! Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Come back to me with all your heart Don’t let fear keep us apart Trees do bend though straight and tall So must me to other call Long have I waited for
Your coming home to me
And living deeply our new life…
Last night, one of the Comboni Sisters shared a touching reflection about her work throughout the Holy Land. She shared joys and successes, but she also shared some of her frustrations. She concluded her talk by saying, "When I first got to this land, I wondered how can we call this the Holy Land, this land is not holy. But after being here and continuing my work, I have come to realize that this land is indeed holy because the Blood of the Lord has not yet dried. His Blood continues to flow from wounds and deaths of so many innocent
IV Station: Jesus Meets his Mother
Recognize the tenderness conveyed by the loving embrace... women and men caught up in the violence perpetrated by people who have not yet understood or accepted His message of love and forgiveness."
There is much beauty in this land, but there is also great tension. Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the safety and well-being of all those that live and work in this Holy Land!
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Julie Massey
non-member comment
Grateful
Mike, I read today's entry while sitting in Old St. Joe's awaiting the start of Morning Prayer. I truly appreciate the beauty of these reflections. Thanks for sharing your journey.