A Sacred Night

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Leaving from his home in Bethany, he traveled down the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley and through the city gates of Jerusalem. After visiting the local synagogue, he proceeded to Mount Calvary, where he spent the night praying and reading scripture. After these things, he journeyed through the Old City, ascending the Mount of Olives and returned home safely to Bethany the following morning. Although this sounds like a scripture verse, it is actually a description of my Saturday evening through early Sunday morning.

For me, it was a sacred night spent in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. When I first arrived, I joined a few other pilgrims and the Franciscans for a beautiful procession commemorating the Transistus of St. Francis. At 8 pm the doors were sealed shut by a member of the same Muslim family, who has held the key for centuries. For the next few hours there was profound silence for each of the seven or eight of us who sought out quiet corners to pray and worship throughout the sanctuary built over the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, death and resurrection. At midnight, the doors were opened and a Greek Orthodox liturgy permeated the air for the next four hours. Despite the crowded liturgy, plenty of room for remained for quiet prayer, reading, milling about and a beautiful Office of Readings liturgy led by the Franciscans. At 5:30 am, I attended Mass in the Franciscan chapel and headed home for some much needed rest.

In sharp contrast to my peaceful night within the sacred space of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the sacred city of Jerusalem was once again marred by protest, violence and murder. Like too many of our cities around the world, this city desperately needs your prayer. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Pray for an end to violence within our hearts, within our homes, within our cities…

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Photos

Iesus Christos
Mosaic in the dome of the Holy Sepulchre

Israeli Flag
These two pictures happen to be next to one another in my camera. Please pray that the nations and peoples that they represent can discern a path toward peace...

Comments

[Lynn]

amazing experience
How awesome to be locked in the Holy Sepluchre overnight!!! It had to be the most amazing experience...can't wait to hear more about it! I thought it was interesting that the different denominations do not trust each other with the keys to the church so a muslim family has to be the mediator to lock and unlock the doors....

[Wallking on Holy Ground]

sharing
yes, I'm very excited to share pictures and stories upon my return