Jesus Walked—And So Did We

Today our Mountain Sky pilgrims were in the old city of Jerusalem, walking the stations of the cross that marked Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion. They visited St. Ann’s Church, the pools of Bethesda, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, and the Temple Mount. 

Rev. Dr. Youngsook Kang:

Via Dolorosa:

Walking the stations of the cross is an important  spiritual practice for me.  So,  walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem is one of the most special parts of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  Thanks be to God for the opportunity that we had today - WALKING THE PATH THAT JESUS WALKED ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS!  

Our MSC pilgrims sing by the pools of Bethesda 

Rev. AJ Bush:

Today we spent the day walking around the old city of Jerusalem, visiting places such as the Church of the Holy Seplicure and the Western Wall. After our “official” day of touring was over, a small group of us decided to walk along the top of the old city wall. As we rounded a corner overlooking the Mt. Of Olives, we decided to have an impromptu communion service. Someone pulled out a half a bagel from their bag. Another person pulled out a water bottle. And there on the top of the wall we shared in Holy Communion. (How cool is that?!) 

As we were sharing in this sacrament, I was reminded of how important it is to retell the stories of Jesus. To retell the stories of love and grace and justice made flesh in our Lord Jesus Christ, and to share those stories with one another. Because these stories remind us who we are, and whose we are. 

Perhaps that is why Jesus took bread that night and broke it. Perhaps that’s why he took every day items (that a group of weary travels would have in their backpacks) and gave them to his disciples. Perhaps that is why he gathered with his friends one last time in the upper room, so that WE would have a story to share over and over and over again, whether we are gathered in an upper room, or in a beautiful church, or simply with group of friends on top of a wall. 

MSC Pilgrims share their reflections after visiting The Tomb Of Jesus:

The Wailing Wall, where prayers were offered.