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By Claire Bramma St. Matthews Chapel Chat 2 JERUSALEM BY CLAIRE BRAMMA ST. MATTHEWS CHAPEL CHAT 2 JUNE 2019 • Western wall of the Second Temple • City of David • Mount of Olives • Bethesda • Garden of Gethsemane • Garden Tomb • St. Georges Anglican Cathedral YERUSHALAYIM – GOD WILL BE SEEN • Over 5000 years of history, 52 battles, 23 sieges… and still considered the Holiest place on earth JERUSALEM - IMPRESSION #1 • Here is a Holy place, where I am dwelling among so many of the faithful, Praying at the Western Wall both present and past. • The atmosphere evoked a special kind of attention within my heart; I was able to tune in to God in a new way. Guided by Eli Shukron Western Wall Tunnels CITY OF DAVID • Archeological exploration began in 1867 (Charles Warren) and continues today. • The Gihon Spring and the Pools of Siloam are incorporated in the archaeological park, open to the public. Images from City of David Archeological park CITY OF DAVID • Hezekiah built a channel within the walls of Jerusalem (530m long), to protect the water source from adversaries. Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water? 2 Chronicles 32:4. Reading scripture and Wading through the praying together at Pool Gihon spring in • The acts of Hezekiah are written in of Siloam. Hezekiah’s tunnel the Chronicles and Kings. • Jesus’ healing of the blind man is completed by washing in the Pool of Siloam. John 9 JERUSALEM - IMPRESSION #2 • A place rich in Jewish history. Looking south from the edge of the Old City • Jesus understood the significance of this place and He truly desired to connect with the Jewish people and to take what they know to be true and transform hearts and lives. JESUS IN JERUSALEM - MOUNT OF OLIVES • Jewish cemetery dating back to 3000 BCE • This area is a community space, with shared gardens Thousands of tombs along the hill side – site of a cemetery for over 3000 years. JESUS IN JERUSALEM – ST. ANNE’S CHURCH & BETHESDA • Where Jesus healed paralytic man (John 5) • This area of the old city is reputed to be the birthplace of Mary, and honours her mother Anne St. Anne’s church built Healing pool at the by the French (1800s) bottom of the ruins GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE “SIT HERE AND PRAY” JESUS, MARK 14 JESUS IN JERUSALEM - GETHSEMANE & CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS BASILICA Behind the altar there is a fresco where Jesus is shown as abandoned, lying alone on a rock; heart stirring JESUS IN JERUSALEM - HOUSE OF CAIPHAS • “God, you’re my last chance of the day. I spend the night on my knees before you… You’ve dropped me into a pit… you turned my friends against me.” (Psalm 88, The Message) • Where Jesus was interrogated and before appearing before Pilate (John 18, Matthew 26) Reflecting on Psalm 88 in the “cell” that is With Eli Shukron our guide, in preserved below the church. Feeling the front of the Catholic Church cold rock floor and receiving only a small of Saint Peter. amount of light from a small hole. JESUS IN JERUSALEM - GARDEN TOMB • Beside possible location of the crucifixion (small ridge), this site has historically been attributed to Joseph of Arimathea, who was responsible for placing Jesus in a tomb after he was crucified. • Since 1894, an garden of reflection and remembrance Exiting the tomb, with grave cloths removed – through Christ we raised to new life, Alleluia! JERUSALEM - IMPRESSION #3 • Jesus was abandoned, by not only the “world” but his so-called followers. Encouraged to “stay awake and pray”. • The resurrected Christ has overcome the world! • The Holy Spirit is with us, the new Jerusalem is in our hearts…. with the power to unite and the ability to truly love. Garden Tomb JERUSALEM - NORTH EAST • St. Georges Anglican Cathedral (and College) Very Rev. Hosam Naoum Courtyard at Pilgrim’s guest house JERUSALEM - IMPRESSION #4 • Instilled in me a greater thirst to learn about the history of not only Christianity, but Judaism and Islam. • I read the Bible in a new, “living” way: (1) Balance historical evidence and how the Spirit speaks through scripture; (2) My imagination takes me back to the memories from my experience in the Holy Land CHALLENGES Constant presence of security, but threats and conflicts are still costing lives PRIMATE’S PRAYER • O God, We give thanks that your dear Son has gathered us in the embrace of his redeeming love and sent us to make that love known to the ends of the earth. • We pray your continued blessings on the steadfast witness of the Church in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East. • Give your deep joy to those who welcome the pilgrims seeking to know this land and its many peoples. • Grace those who proclaim the Gospel. Guide all who teach a new generation of young people. • Draw near to those who are sick and bless those who tend them. • Sustain the hope in all who long and labour for a just and lasting peace in the land of The Holy One. • And may the companions of Jerusalem be many and faithful. • We pray in the name of our merciful Saviour, Friend, and Brother, our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN Most Reverend Fred Hiltz PRAY FOR JERUSALEM • O God, we pray your continued blessings on the steadfast witness of the Church in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East. Grace those who proclaim the Gospel. Strengthen and guide the clergy at St. Georges Cathedral, East Jerusalem, especially Archbishop Suheil Dawani and the Very Rev Hosam Naoum. • Give your deep joy to those who welcome the pilgrims seeking to know this land and its many peoples. • Sustain the hope in all who long and labour for a just and lasting peace in the land of The Holy One. • 5-Fold Cross We pray in the name our Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN. -Christ and the 4 Gospels -The 5 pierce wounds of Christ -The Gospel going to the four corners of the earth.
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