VISIT TO THE FAITHFUL OF ISRAEL

 Today we had the fortune of travelling to two beautiful places.  The first was Mar Saba, an ancient Byzantine monastery operating continuously since its inception during the 500’s, The van ride into the canyon where it was situated became a life or death matter as our driver sped through the treacherous, windy roads as if he had a death wish (actually, it was perfectly safe).   Happy to be alive we approached the monastery built into the side of a mountain overlooking an impressive canyon opened up by the Jordan river.  The canyon was sprinkled with caves in which hermits throughout the years had made their home.  The monks having finished prayer, allowed us to enter through a narrow hallway leading to one of the most beautiful chapels many of us had ever seen.  It was adorned with icons lit by oil lamps and paintings of the finest skill covering every inch of the walls.  It was the antithesis of minimalism. One knew they were entering a sacred place in which the very construction and decoration is an expression of deep prayer.

               

 Later we traveled to Shepherd’s Field where the angels had brought the good news of our Lord’s birth to the humble shepherds.  We celebrated Holy Mass and sang the Gloria which, in this place, had a special poignancy.  We continue to follow the unfolding of our Lord’s blessed entry into our humanity.  We walk with the shepherd’s seeking to find the Lord which in a special way walked among the very places we are so fortunate to visit.