S&F-Easter and the Holy Land

One of the things I did during Lent is following the daily reflections in the Hollow App.  This week they concluded it with what they called "Holy Week in the Holy Land."  Where Jeff Cavins and Johnathan Roumie visited some of the most holy places on earth as they followed the path of Jesus during his last days.

It reminds me of my visit to Israel and Jerusalem when I was in the Navy 25 years ago.  I visited those same locations that they showed in their videos.  I walked those same steps, the steps that Jesus took 2000 years ago.

When I was there it was a dangerous place to visit.  We were not allowed to visit Bethlehem to see the Naivety.  We were not supposed to walk freely around the old city of Jerusalem.  I took a tour that took us to the Church of All Nations, built on the area where Jesus prayed and was arrested.  We walked a the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus took with his Cross.  Our tour ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the Crucifixion and Jesus's burial took place.  Being able to touch the spot where the Cross once was is one of the most fulfilling moments in my life.

One other thing that I remember as I reflect on my journey to the Holy Land is the fact that in one view I could see the some of most important places in three religions.  Walking distance from each other are the location of the Crucifixion (Christianity), the Temple Wall (Judaism) and the Dome of the Rock (Islam).  These 3 religions are able to coexist together and have for hundreds of years there.  I find it strange that they cannot find the same common ground in the world.

I wish I could go back to the Holy Land.  I think I would definitely appreciate it more today than I ever did so long ago.  Unfortunately, visiting that area of the world today is one that is not done without risk.  It was dangerous 25 years ago, and things are defiantly worse now.

I'm not going to delve into the politics and current events, as this is not the forum for that talk.  I will pray this Easter Sunday for peace throughout the world and especially in the Holy Land.  Making that pilgrimage safe for all people no matter their religious views should be something we should all hope for.

So, please join me in a prayer for peace in all the world, and particularly in the Holy Land on this most Holy of all days.