Day 6 – Temple Mount, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher – Final Day in Israel
We started early in the morning visiting the Western Wall (a.k.a. Wailing Wall) where we spent time in prayer, and people watching. We then visited the Temple Mount and got up close to the Dome of the Rock. From there we walked to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where we entered the little chapel built over the place (which is deeper down) where Jesus was raised from the dead, then climbed the steep stairs to Golgotha, or Calvary where Jesus was crucified – all within the same church building. Finally, we visited the Garden Tomb, outside the old city walls. While those who run the site want to make a case for consideration of authenticity, no legitimate scholars believe it is actually the place for Jesus’ tomb. All evidence points to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. That said, many appreciate the serenity of the place and it often provides a better visual for what the actual place might have been like in Jesus’ day. After that, we were done with our journey – for the day, and for the pilgrimage – at least in Israel. However, in the rest of the afternoon some went wandering through the old city, walking the Via Delarosa, some (more) got tattoos. Others went back to the hotel to hang by the pool, take a nap, or just chill.
I think everyone would agree that our pilgrimage to Israel was eye-opening, fascinating, enriching, and the experience with sisters and brothers was rich. It was a great privilege, and I’m grateful for it.
