It never rains in Jerusalem in June…!

Except when it does! 

Like today!

Our first visit today was to Bethany. Those familiar with the Bible will probably remember that Bethany was the home of Jesus’ friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus; and also know of the miracle when Jesus raised Lazarus back to life. 

Bethany is just a couple of miles from Jerusalem, up over the top of the Mount of Olives, and just a little way down the other side. The Bible talks about Jesus walking from Bethany into Jerusalem. Today, that’s not possible, as the Separation Wall marches right across the peak of the hill. For us to visit this morning, we had to drive out of the city, swing round and come back to Bethany.

We spent time at the site containing a commemorative church and the tomb. Whilst visiting the church, Paula gave another fantastic reflection on the women of Bethany ~ Mary and Martha ~ and also on the stories of women anointing Jesus. Yet again, such a rich, nourishing words.

We then took the bus back around to within a few hundred meters of Bethany, to the top of the Mount of Olives, where we made an incredibly moving visit to Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children. We spent about an hour in this incredible facility, which works to support disabled children, their families and wider communities across the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

It was amazing to hear about their work, different programmes and outreach; and fantastic to see quite a large part of facility, including some of the children in various therapy sessions. The Centre also has an inclusive school on site. It was profoundly moving to learn about the Centre and watch short videos explaining more and telling children’s stories. I think we all left wanting to find ways to help.

Just a little further along the road, we stopped for lunch in a restaurant overlooking the city of Jerusalem ~ that’s iconic vista of The Dome of the Rock, the Old City and beyond. 

Our afternoon programme involved us walking down the very steep road descending the Mount of Olives, pausing at four churches en route. As it turned out, an afternoon walking in the rain! It wouldn’t have been too bad, except that it made the route down incredibly slippery! 

Near the top, the first church was the Chapel of the Ascension, which I’d never been to, is really rather lovely, commemorating, as you might have guessed, Jesus’ Ascension!

Next stop, the Pater Noster Church. This modern complex is built over some ancient caves, and was formally a place commemorating Jesus’ Final Discourse. More recently, as the name suggests, this Church recalls Jesus teaching ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Whilst there, sitting in an olive grove, Paula shared about this prayer ~ well, she tried to, battling against the rain, and growing wind! We had time to explore the site, including the many mosaics each displaying the prayer in a different language. 

Down the mountainside a bit further, we found the third Church. This is named, Dominus Flevit, meaning the Lord weeps. Managing to find a covered area, Paula was able to lead us to reflect further.

The final church for today was the one located right next to Gethsrmane. We had a look inside, sheltering from the rain. But actually, on this occasion, in a space, I have never particularly related to before, as I took time to sit, I was really moved. 

Having safely made it down the mountainside without sliding over, it was great to have the bus to bring us back to college, all rather soggy.

After dinner evening we had a lecture to attend. The first half involved Paula teaching, preparing us for tomorrow’s programme, considering the women at the crucifixion, and at Jesus’ resurrection ~ fantastic again! For the second half, Richard, the dean of the College, helped us to reflect and debrief on our visit to Al-Aqsa. This was a useful few minutes, as we tried better to understand the narrative of our guide. 

All in all, a long, deep, thought-provoking day… again!