The mystique of Holy Land envelopes many faiths

By Lalin Fernandopulle

Exploring the life journey of Jesus from Bethlehem to the crucifixion on Mount Calvary

To a Christian visiting the Holy Land is a fulfilment of a long felt dream. He will cherish the rich memories which will linger forever. Many pilgrims postpone this tour due to time and financial constraints. But this wish will come true if there is faith in the Lord who led His people to the 'Promised Land.' Cling on to your faith and the Lord will grant your needs, said Rev. Fr. Lasantha Kahandawela who accompanied the team to Jerusalem.

We were amazed by the wonders the Lord does to people who want to journey with Him. Exploring the life journey of Jesus from Bethlehem to the crucifixion on Mount Calvary in Jerusalem and thereon to His resurrection was an inspiring moment and revelation of God's love to humanity. We felt the call of the Lord to His disciples "Come and See," when they asked Him show us where do you live.

There is a footprint or a landmark left in all places the Lord had visited. The church of Gethsemane also known as the Church of Agony at the Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus spent the night before his betrayal. The Garden comprises olive trees which are over 1,000 years old. Jesus chose this location symbolising His life that will be crushed as olives are crushed to produce olive oil.

Jesus' footprint on Mount Olives is seen where the ascension took place 40 days after the resurrection where He revealed Himself to His disciples on several occasions, dined with them and commissioned them to spread the Good News and accept the holy spirit. (Lk 24:50-51). The Church of Nativity in Bethlehem the birthplace of Jesus was a small insignificant village 1,000 years ago. It is the place where Joseph and his wife Mary came to register in keeping with the regulation of Emperor Augustus.(Mt1:18-25).

The churches in the Shepherds Field marks the annunciation. The rock stones on Golgotha is the place of crucifixion and the tomb in which He was placed after His death. The River Jordan is where Jesus chose to be baptised by John the Baptist. It is said that Joshua had crossed the river with the Israelites. The Mount of Temptation which is around 350 metres above sea level commands a magnificent and panoramic view of the Jordan Valley. It is here that Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in prayer before commencing His mission. The Last Supper room or 'Upper Room' on Mount Zion is the place where Jesus partook His last meal with the disciples.

Virgin Mary

The Domition Abbey or the Church of Domition contains the statue of Virgin Mary lying in slumber of death. According to tradition Mary was assumed into Heaven while she was asleep.

The Basilica of Visitation is a Franciscan church which marks the visit of Mary to her cousin sister Elizabeth while both were pregnant. The 'Magnificat', Mary's prayer of praise for the blessing showered on her is inscribed in over 40 languages on the churchyard wall. En Karem or the Church of John the Baptist is the birthplace of John the Baptist according to tradition dating back to the fifth century.

The Western Wall also known as the Wailing Wall is the foundation of the Temple Mount. Tradition says that this was the alter of King Herod and it is considered the holiest place in the Jewish faith. It is the place where King Solomon built the temple which was destroyed and rebuilt by King Herod.

The Jews placing their hand on the wall weep over the destruction of the temple and pray for its restoration. The steadfast faith and determination of the Jewish Rabbis (teachers) praying at the Wailing Wall was a captivating site.

The fig tree still remains which Zacheus climbed to have a glimpse of Jesus as he was a short person. Zacheus was a tax collector who was disliked by people for overtaxing.

Therefore he had to climb the fig tree which symbolises restoration and not a palm tree which is commonly found in Israel and denotes prosperity.

The tomb where Jesus was anointed before His burial too still remains.

The Church of Cana signifies the first miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding feast. The church of beatitudes and feeding of 5,000 people and the Church of the Primacy of Peter are some of the landmarks of the life journey of Jesus. The tour to the Holy Land was not a mere site seeing visit but one that revealed to us the vast development in Israel the land holy to all Abrahamic religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Israel has taken major strides in agriculture as a pioneer in drip irrigation. The rich and fertile soil of Israel is the land blessed by God when He said, "I will give you a land flowing with milk and honey".

Drooping grape-wines

Israel is a major exporter of its agricultural produce. The drooping grape-wines, orange and olive trees in vast swathes of land is a proof of the richness of the land and the commitment of its people.

Israel gained status as a 'Jewish State' in 1948 and since then the country made stunning progress in science and technology, medicine and patents.

The main export income source to the country is pharmaceuticals.

Tourism is the fourth revenue earner. Israel comprises a population of around eight million people. Jews, Palestinians and Christians live in harmony. They own shops and work together.

"There is no problem among us", said a shop owner in Bethlehem. Law and order and road discipline was an eye-opener as we saw the smooth flow of vehicles sans congestions.

The road network and the landscape of Jerusalem which is one of the the oldest cities in the world and the capital of Israel mesmerises visitors.

The fig tree that Zacheus, the tax collector climbed on to

A farm land

The Mount Temptation