This will be a brief and picture less post. It is Ash Wednesday and many of our Baptist group have experienced the imposition of ashes in the Catholic pilgrim center where we are staying in Jerusalem. It was wonderfully meaningful particularly because it was Father Kelly with whom we toured Magdala, who officiated.
The ancients thought of Jerusalem as the center of the world. It is the center of our itinerary and we happily anticipate 5 nights here. In biblical times, when pilgrims went "up to Jerusalem", they sang the 120th to 134th Psalms, which are known as the Psalms of ascent. We, too, read some of them as we approached the city.
Several of us walked tonight to the Western Wall. Praying at a place where millions have stood before us is a remarkable connection with past present and future, and indeed with the God who loves us all.
Tomorrow we head to Bethlehem.
Blessings
Mary
