We started out the day in Bethany at the Tomb of Lazarus. We looked at some mustard trees and their diminutive seeds. We gazed at the colorful bougainvillea and talked with pilgrims from across the globe. It is tremendous to hear the different dialects and to see the range of pilgrims that are passing through the Holy Land.
We descended into the staircase that led to Lazarus' tomb. The large stone that covered the tomb would have laid about six feet from the surface. Typically, two rooms are associated with the tomb - one for preparation with herbs, oils, and spices, and the second one for permanent rest. Lazarus' tomb contained many notes of prayers laid in the crevices of the wall. We gathered for a group portrait.
We then celebrated mass at the Church of the House of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Fortunately, we were the only pilgrims in the church, which was important because it was an echo chamber. We could have chosen from one of two readings. I thought that since we just visited the tomb of Lazarus that his reading would be chosen, but the pilgrims chose the passage on Martha and Mary.
We then traveled down to the Jordan Valley. As soon as we left Jerusalem, we passed Mount Scopus, which is basically a watchman's mountain. It was used to spot invading armies in biblical times, it was the place where the Romans lay siege to the Temple in 66 AD, it was a fortress for the Crusaders, and it served at the watchtower for the Arab-Israeli Wars.
The landscape became a desert after leaving Mount Scopus. We passed the marker that told us we were at Sea Level and we descended another 400 feet to the road that turned left to go to Jericho, which is a thriving Palestinian resort community. We saw a 200 year old sycamore tree that would have been like the one Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus. Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, also asked to be given sight.
We did a little shopping excursion when we were at the Market of Temptation that sat below the Mountain of Temptation. Embedded into the mountainside is a monastery commemorating the Temptation of Jesus, even though it probably occurred on the other side of the Jordan River. We took advantage of opportunities to make camel rides.
Lunch was a simple one at the Al-Rawda Restaurant, which again had open-air seating. We had grilled lamb and chicken over cabbage, some spices, the obligatory salads, and french fries. Of course, we had Taybeh beer to complement the meal. In the market, we bought spices, olive oil soaps, dates, dishes, and scarves.
As time is always to be respected, we hastened over to Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered last century. We watched a movie on the ascetical Essene community, of which John the Baptist might have been a one-time member. We saw the restored archeological site of a village that might have been part of the Essene community. The cliffs of Masada lay to our south.
Across the Dead Sea was the place of Herod's resort where John the Baptist was killed after Salome danced. We could see Mount Nebo where Moses pointed to Joshua the land of milk and honey. The baptismal spot of Jesus is at Bethany beyond the Jordan, and the place of Elijah's chariot being lifted into the heavens occurred there as well. Further down the road was Lot's Cave and cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Much of the Old and New Testaments occurred in Jordan. How I wish I could also visit there.
Finally, we swam in the Dead Sea. This was part of the trip where the planners back in the States were hesitant to include in the day's activities since we would arrive at 3:30 and the sun would set around 4:45 because of the mountain ranges. I'm very glad I suggested we keep it in the schedule because everyone got their feet wet with mud and salt water and all but two went swimming in the sea and covered themselves with mud packs. I must say it was great fun.
We drove back to Bethlehem for dinner and we celebrated Mariana's birthday. I guess November is a birthday month for pilgrims because Joan (1.st), Laurie (6th), and Mariana (10th) have celebrated their lives with us. Also, we were very glad our infirm pilgrim and his wife joined us in the day's events.
All is good. Most retired early. Me? I'm writing this blog and updating photos.
To see photos of The Dead Sea and Jericho, click on the link
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