THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE CHURCH 

Having completed our first full week in the Holy Land, we have begun to grow a little more accustomed to our surroundings.  We’re beginning to figure out how to navigate the twisting streets and hills, the Muslim call to prayer repeated throughout the day is becoming a little less noticeable, and we have had ample opportunity to pray at Holy sites. 

However, finding a quiet time to pray at some of those sites is another thing.  Every day, for example, hundreds, if not thousands, of people descend the steps into the grotto below the Church of the Nativity to touch the star that marks the spot where tradition holds Jesus was born.  It is a small, humble place.  The people that crowd into the little cave come from around the world.  Different languages give an idea of where they come from:  Polish, Italian, Arabic, French, English, and many others.  These represent the universality of the Church.  From this spot the good news of our salvation has spread to all corners of the globe.  And now the people who have received this news are drawn back to where it began.  For “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.”  (Is. 9:2)