We started the Stations of the Cross on the Lithostrotos in the Ecce Homo, the convent of the sisters of Notre Dame de Sion. Jesus is judged and handed over by Pilatus to be crucified. As we walked the different Stations of the Cross we prayed and remembered loved ones, friends and the sorrows of this world. For the victims of violence, the ones who are in physical and psychological pain or for the ones who are suffering because of prejudice, resentments and lack of freedom. We prayed in thanksgiving of the gift God sent through Jesus and for light to walk in his way.

Bethlehem, Jesus was born their into a world where power and politics oppressed freedom, religious freedom. We went into silence, reflecting that the world did not change! Today we hear of oppression of faith, modern slavery, exploration of women and children and also men used as workforces for inhuman and in slavery jobs. The word of Math 13.15… “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart …” …becomes even more powerful in this place where Jesus was  born.

After our good night sleep we had breakfast and then walked up Mount of Olive. We read the letter of Father Theodores first visit to Jerusalem in Book Nm. 5 page 70 he writes: “ after an absence of 15 centuries, I have at last returned to my country. But what changes! In Jerusalem, everything impresses me, everything, moves me, I have had not the courage to go to the holy places: I feel no need to see, on the contrary I need to close my eys, and when I keep them closed, I see better than when I open them and look around me. In the Patriarchate I have Fr. Marys room. When I open the windows, I have before me the Tower of David (Turris Davidica), which remains unshakable on its base at the foot of Mount Sion.” The Church “Dominus Flevit” commemorates the Lord’s weeping over Jerusalem. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children …