Our Hearts Burned

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We began the day by singing a few verses of a hymn based on Psalm 34:8. Taste and see, taste and see the goodness of the Lord, Oh, taste and see. This hymn was appropriately chosen because two of our three stops today were associated with breaking bread together. Our first stop was a Jaffa bakery that has been owned and operated by an Arab-Israeli family since the late 19^th century. Besides serving good food, they also advocate for peace between peoples of this land. It is part of their mission to employ women and men of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. Great mission; great food! To read more about this wonderful business, click here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/a-historic-bakery-in-jaffa-produces-pastry-and-peace-zbcz1408.aspx

After spending a few hours at the Ha Eretz Museum in Tel Aviv, we visited one of the possible settings for Luke’s Road to Emmaus story. We had the opportunity to celebrate Mass in the ruins of a Crusader era basilica, which had been built over the ruins of a 5^th century basilica. Both are believed to be built over the house of Cleopas, where the Risen Christ broke bread with Cleopas and his companion. After the Risen Lord blesses, breaks, and shares the bread the two men ask one another “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). Having listened to Luke’s Gospel reading, Fr. Rudy asked us to reflect on what causes our hearts to burn within us. So, I encourage you to take some time in prayer today reflecting on what causes your heart to burn within you. I invite you to sit with this joy, this burning within, and to thank God and/or those that help bring about this burning within you. May the Risen Christ continue to bless you with great joy as the Scriptures are opened for you along your own path to the Heavenly Emmaus.

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Photos

Baptismal Font
Ruins of Byzantine Era Basilica in Emmaus

Apse of Crusader Era Basilica
We celebrated Mass here today.

Crusader Era Coins
Notice the Fleur-de-lis on the Acre coin; could this be influenced by the Norbertine's presence in Acre?