Wednesday April 24
We Christians are not alone.
We Christians live connected to each other, with God's Holy Spirit binding us together.
Binding us across distance and time.
We are a community of Saints...
Sitting at the open balcony door, King David Hotel. Listening to Muslim chants from Old Jerusalem. Heard church bells a few minutes ago.
As tour guide Adrian said, we travelled today from the physically lowest spot on earth, 1300 feet below sea level, up to the spiritually highest point, Jerusalem.
Here we are.
Day pack full, not crammed, had time to absorb moments and spaces. But not a rest time now before dinner to write.
Today what remains with me? The faith of today alive and dynamic, standing on the shoulders of the events of the past... supported by all the saints who have come in between.
Connected.
Connectedness. .
What do I mean by that?
At the Cana Church. The walk there was tacky. No problems with vendors wanting to make money from tourists. Once we got to the church, many many people renewing their vows. I walked past/glanced at three services of people singing, reading the bible out loud, praying, all in different languages.
Then I went down to the basement, to see exposed 4th century stone from the original church built at Cana. Sat there on a simple wooden bench. Peaceful. Restful. Serene. Hearing the songs and prayers of communities of Christians above. You can almost see the Holy Spirit in the air, wafts of fresh living breeze flowing spiraling in and out of the various rooms.
Thoughts of all the faithful who have visited this church in the past 1900 years. 1900 years, that's a lot of Christians. All coming to worship God, to be thankful for Jesus' first miracle. And then think of that first miracle. Jesus' compassion. Jesus' understanding of human needs and the rhythm of everyday life. It started so humbly, so humanly.
We are all connected. It is all connected. Back and forth through the years, sideways across miles.
We are but a grain of sand on a beach. But we are a grain of sand on that beach.
That's comforting to me.
Nazareth is a huge city. I didn't expect that. What jumps out at me, and I wish I had hours to stay and look at, were the mosaics sent by various countries to be displayed at the church. The Church of the Annunciation. Such variety. Christians from today, all around the world.
We were there about 45 minutes.
I could have stayed all day.
America's was dramatic. Strong.
At first I didnt like it. Most of the others were delicate mosaics. Not ours.
Mary of metal. Background of vibrant swirling colors.
Then you see her projecting out towards you.
Brilliant.
And the colors behind swirl, as a backdrop to her coming towards you.
The colors of the "Dawn of our sacred and cosmic destiny."
Look at the photo. Its not a scared and wimpy Mary.
She's a strong woman, Mother of Jesus, knowing in her heart God is in control... willing to be used by God... which didn't diminish her strength, but increased it.
Need a good night's sleep. Will wake up in Jerusalem. Walking all day in old Jerusalem, which we see outside the balcony. Love it.
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