Today we continued with study of Matthew. Very full on and theologically rich.
After lunch we had a lecture to prepare us for our visit tomorrow to the Dead Sea and Qumran, location of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were located in 1947.
The late afternoon lecture was on the Celebrating the Jewish Feasts of Rosh Hashanah and Yom which will be celebrated soon.
Now for an early night ready for a 5am start tomorrow!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Day 12: Hello Matthew
Today we started our intense study of Matthew's Gospel with Fr Pino Di Luccio SJ, an Italian Jesuit.
A great start, very engaging and enjoyable. One thing that has struck most of us - is how rich the scripture is, and often we hear it at a superficial level without digging deeper for the meanings and links with the OT. This doesn't help when you just hear snippets once a week, as they are designed to be read in their entirety.
This was the first 3 hour lecture and tutorial sessions. Another 15 to go!
A great start, very engaging and enjoyable. One thing that has struck most of us - is how rich the scripture is, and often we hear it at a superficial level without digging deeper for the meanings and links with the OT. This doesn't help when you just hear snippets once a week, as they are designed to be read in their entirety.
This was the first 3 hour lecture and tutorial sessions. Another 15 to go!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Day 11: O, Little Town of Bethlehem.
Today was a day trip to the nearby town of Bethlehem.
Geographically it is nearby, surprisingly only 8.5km from Jerusalem, but being in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, it is isolated. Isolated by the imposing concrete wall that has been erected around the perimeter.
We started with a tour of the Church of the Nativity which is the birthplace of Christ. This is a short descent down under the Church to the cave that was used (not a stable!) Again, not a particular moving moment as we are rushed through with little to no time to stop.
We then went to visit Sr Maria Grech , and amazing woman doing extraordinary things for the Palestinian people Bethlehem.
We then celebrated Eucharist in the 'Shepherd's Fields' a series of caves used by Shepherds of the region to protect their flocks at night.
After lunch we went to Bethlehem University which is a Catholic university operated by the De La Salle brothers. Of the 3000 student population, 70% are Muslim and 30% Christian. They too are doing wonderful things but providing hope through Education to the young Palestinian people - the future of this troubled region.
Geographically it is nearby, surprisingly only 8.5km from Jerusalem, but being in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, it is isolated. Isolated by the imposing concrete wall that has been erected around the perimeter.
We started with a tour of the Church of the Nativity which is the birthplace of Christ. This is a short descent down under the Church to the cave that was used (not a stable!) Again, not a particular moving moment as we are rushed through with little to no time to stop.
We then went to visit Sr Maria Grech , and amazing woman doing extraordinary things for the Palestinian people Bethlehem.
We then celebrated Eucharist in the 'Shepherd's Fields' a series of caves used by Shepherds of the region to protect their flocks at night.
After lunch we went to Bethlehem University which is a Catholic university operated by the De La Salle brothers. Of the 3000 student population, 70% are Muslim and 30% Christian. They too are doing wonderful things but providing hope through Education to the young Palestinian people - the future of this troubled region.
Day 10: In memorium
Today we visited Yad VaShem, Israel's holocaust memorial.
One thing that stuck me was that this memorial gave us a glimpse into the lives of the people. Rather than all figures and statistics, the human story of suffering and hope was told.
Having visited Auchwitch in 2005, I was looking through the eyes of a young single 20-something, and horrified that humans were capable of such atrocities.
Today I looked through the eyes of a father. I couldn't help but be moved by the stories of parents and children, particularly the Children's Memorial. This is a tribute to the 1,500,000 children who perished. This memorial was a darkened room with haunting music and a single candle which via a series of mirrors refracted the light to give the illusion of millions of stars.
Some images, although very confronting need to be seen to remind us of the value of human life.
The questions raised are:
* Where was the rest of the world while this was occurring?
* Why did Australia refuse to assist? Our Government was quoted as basically saying - we don't have any race problems, and don't want any.
* Although many good people assisted, why didn't the Church as a global institution and 'moral authority' speak out publicly? Recently Yad VaShem has changed the section on Pope Pius XII to a little more positive, but we won't know the full story until scholars are give access to the archives.
When we returned we had some free time to digest the events of the morning. This was followed by a group debrief facilitated by Dr Deborah Weisman. A valuable experience to enable people to articulate their questions, thoughts and feelings after the experience.
I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil...” Ezekiel 37:14
One thing that stuck me was that this memorial gave us a glimpse into the lives of the people. Rather than all figures and statistics, the human story of suffering and hope was told.
Having visited Auchwitch in 2005, I was looking through the eyes of a young single 20-something, and horrified that humans were capable of such atrocities.
Today I looked through the eyes of a father. I couldn't help but be moved by the stories of parents and children, particularly the Children's Memorial. This is a tribute to the 1,500,000 children who perished. This memorial was a darkened room with haunting music and a single candle which via a series of mirrors refracted the light to give the illusion of millions of stars.
Some images, although very confronting need to be seen to remind us of the value of human life.
The questions raised are:
* Where was the rest of the world while this was occurring?
* Why did Australia refuse to assist? Our Government was quoted as basically saying - we don't have any race problems, and don't want any.
* Although many good people assisted, why didn't the Church as a global institution and 'moral authority' speak out publicly? Recently Yad VaShem has changed the section on Pope Pius XII to a little more positive, but we won't know the full story until scholars are give access to the archives.
When we returned we had some free time to digest the events of the morning. This was followed by a group debrief facilitated by Dr Deborah Weisman. A valuable experience to enable people to articulate their questions, thoughts and feelings after the experience.
I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil...” Ezekiel 37:14
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Day 9: "What have the Roman's ever done for us?"
This famous line from a certain movie came to mind a few times today!
We started early with a walk to the Western Wall plaza. We then commenced a guided tour of the Western Wall tunnels, which is a series of archeological sites spanning the entire length of the Temple Mount. This fascinating walk along the ancient foundations took us on the ancient paths of 2000 years ago, until recently buried below rubble and layers of centuries. This included city infrastructure such as - huge water cisterns and aqueducts!
Remarkably, this tunnel tour brought us back to our home - Ecce Homo.
From Mid morning we then travelled to the ancient City of David (outside the present city walls) which is one of the first civilized areas of ancient Jerusalem. Although no direct proof, many artifacts found here point to this being the palace of King David. The highlight of the day was a walk through the Hezekiah tunnels (700 BC) which was an 500m tunnel in darkness still with running water through it. This tunnel through the mountain was a diversionary tactic by the ancient Israelites to protect their vital water supply from invading armies.
We then ascended up 'Steep street' and an ancient Roman sewer (sanitation!)
After this the Tassie pilgrims went on to Mt Zion to visit Schindler's tomb, which was locked - so we'll try again another day. We also visited the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu. This is the site of Caiaphas' house, thus Peter's denial of Christ when the cock crew. The caves in the crypt are where Christ spent the night in the dungeon before being taken to Pilate the next morning.
After dinner we toured the lithostrothas of Ecce Homo (meaning "Behold the Man"), where we are staying. This recently discovered area is a 1st century street complete with Roman carvings in the road where they played games - whilst being bored. It forms part of the original Via Dolorosa near the Antonia fortress.
In all a huge day with weary feet!
We started early with a walk to the Western Wall plaza. We then commenced a guided tour of the Western Wall tunnels, which is a series of archeological sites spanning the entire length of the Temple Mount. This fascinating walk along the ancient foundations took us on the ancient paths of 2000 years ago, until recently buried below rubble and layers of centuries. This included city infrastructure such as - huge water cisterns and aqueducts!
Remarkably, this tunnel tour brought us back to our home - Ecce Homo.
From Mid morning we then travelled to the ancient City of David (outside the present city walls) which is one of the first civilized areas of ancient Jerusalem. Although no direct proof, many artifacts found here point to this being the palace of King David. The highlight of the day was a walk through the Hezekiah tunnels (700 BC) which was an 500m tunnel in darkness still with running water through it. This tunnel through the mountain was a diversionary tactic by the ancient Israelites to protect their vital water supply from invading armies.
We then ascended up 'Steep street' and an ancient Roman sewer (sanitation!)
After this the Tassie pilgrims went on to Mt Zion to visit Schindler's tomb, which was locked - so we'll try again another day. We also visited the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu. This is the site of Caiaphas' house, thus Peter's denial of Christ when the cock crew. The caves in the crypt are where Christ spent the night in the dungeon before being taken to Pilate the next morning.
After dinner we toured the lithostrothas of Ecce Homo (meaning "Behold the Man"), where we are staying. This recently discovered area is a 1st century street complete with Roman carvings in the road where they played games - whilst being bored. It forms part of the original Via Dolorosa near the Antonia fortress.
In all a huge day with weary feet!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Day 8: Walking the Old City
Today started with an early rise and walk the to Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Sunday morning Mass @ 6.30am in Latin! It was sung and quite moving and surprisingly quick (45mins)! Obviously a very busy place on a Sunday, with other denominations competing for time and space. Nonetheless, not many about at that early hour, so we were able to enjoy a good look around.
We then returned to Ecce Homo for breakfast, and then we for a walk to the Mount of Olives. Here we came across by accident the tomb of Mary, during an Orthodox service. Next to which was the Garden of Gethsemane, which contains the place Judas betrays Christ. The remaining garden is now quite small, but contains a few olive trees. 3 of which have been scientifically dated to be over 2000 year old. Perhaps they witnessed some significant events one night?
We continued up the hill past the Jewish cemetery which contains approx 180,000 remains to the place where 'Jesus wept'. This is said to be the place where Jesus rose Lazarus to life. This site contains some old niches and ossuaries from the 1st century CE. This site also provides a magic view back over the old city.
We then had a walking tour of the old city with our guide Jared. This purpose of this walk was not sights, but the everyday lives of the people who inhabit this city. Amazingly, there are approx 37,000 people living in the old city. 27,000 (73%) of these are Muslim, 7,500 (20%) Christian (inc. Armenian) and 2,500 (7%) Jews.
We finished this big 'walking' day with a well earned drink at the Austrian Catholic Hospice.
We then returned to Ecce Homo for breakfast, and then we for a walk to the Mount of Olives. Here we came across by accident the tomb of Mary, during an Orthodox service. Next to which was the Garden of Gethsemane, which contains the place Judas betrays Christ. The remaining garden is now quite small, but contains a few olive trees. 3 of which have been scientifically dated to be over 2000 year old. Perhaps they witnessed some significant events one night?
We continued up the hill past the Jewish cemetery which contains approx 180,000 remains to the place where 'Jesus wept'. This is said to be the place where Jesus rose Lazarus to life. This site contains some old niches and ossuaries from the 1st century CE. This site also provides a magic view back over the old city.
We then had a walking tour of the old city with our guide Jared. This purpose of this walk was not sights, but the everyday lives of the people who inhabit this city. Amazingly, there are approx 37,000 people living in the old city. 27,000 (73%) of these are Muslim, 7,500 (20%) Christian (inc. Armenian) and 2,500 (7%) Jews.
We finished this big 'walking' day with a well earned drink at the Austrian Catholic Hospice.
Day 7: Home Day
Today consisted mainly of lectures, with a couple of free hours in the afternoon.
The day started with Richard celebrating Eucharist for the community in the Ecce Homo Basilica.
The lectures today focussed on Judaism, and the links with Christianity. It was quite amazing how much we share in common with out ritual and festivals, despite out theological differences.
The afternoon break, allowed a couple of hours to wander through the Old City and have a look, rather than a quick 'squiz' on the way somewhere else.
The day started with Richard celebrating Eucharist for the community in the Ecce Homo Basilica.
The lectures today focussed on Judaism, and the links with Christianity. It was quite amazing how much we share in common with out ritual and festivals, despite out theological differences.
The afternoon break, allowed a couple of hours to wander through the Old City and have a look, rather than a quick 'squiz' on the way somewhere else.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)