February 2, 2010

I am speechless after my day, and for those of you who know me, that is extremely unusual! We started off heading back to the Old City today and entered through the Lion's Gate. There were several members of the Israeli Army right beside the gate. They are everywhere in this city and they all carry automatic weapons. It is a little intimidating but they are all so very nice and allow all the tourists to take their pictures, etc.


The second picture is of the Pools of Bethseda, on the grounds of the church of St. Anne's, which is actually owned by the French and run by the Order of the White Fathers. These pools lie below the surface of the present city streets. It was here that Jesus spent much of his final week on earth as a man, preaching and teaching to those coming to the pools for their holy cleansing. It was also where Christ healed the lame man by saying "take up your bed and walk."

The 3rd picture is a mosaic inside the Church of Flaggelation and Condemnation, the site of the trial of christ by Pontius Pilate. The church is within the Antonia Fortress, the first station of the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross), which is a mile long route through the Old City of Jerusalem, leading from the Christ's trial to Golgatha, the place of His crucifiction.