THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...
JOURNAL PART VIII
APRIL 9 - April 26, 2009
(Old olive trees in Gethsemani believed to be more than 2000 years old)
From there, I went to the Grotto of the Betrayal which was a few meters away, ”a stone’s throw away.” This was my sixth Station. Here I reflected on Mk. 14: 43-52 where Judas kissed Jesus and the soldiers arrested him. I prayed for all those who suffered betrayal in their lives as well as those who victimize others out of personal gain. I also prayed for all those who had hurt me in my life and asked forgiveness for those whom I may have hurt. (Inside the Betrayal Grotto where Judas kissed Jesus as a signal to arrest him.)
From there, I walked through the Kidron Valley passing through the dusty road busy with the construction in preparation of the Pope’s visit. This was the same road that Jesus travelled from the Last Supper in the Cenacle to Gethsemani and back after being arrested. It is between Mt. of Olives and the walled City of Jerusalem. (The famous Zechariah’s Tomb and Absalom’s Pillar at the Kidron Valley)
After walking for thirty minutes, a Good Samaritan (a Jew) helped me how to go to the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu. Upon his instructions, I climbed the steep stairs reaching to the top at the City of David. Once on the top, my “Good Samaritan” who came there by car, continued helping me how to go to the said Church. From there I continued walking uphill passing through the regular road. I met many Filipinos along the way, some churchgoers of our 11:00 am Mass and some from Tel Aviv who attended the pilgrimage last Palm Sunday. It was my seventh Station. Here Jesus was interrogated by the chief priests and the elders and was imprisoned on a water cistern for one night. It was there too that St. Peter denied the Lord three times and the cock crowed (Jn. 18:15-27). I prayed for all in authorities, especially military men that they always respect human rights and avoid abuse of power. After the prayer, I took my lunch of one meta bread and three cup cakes given by Filipinos from Tel Aviv. (A sculpture of St. Peter confronted by the servant girl and denying Jesus)
After that lunch break, I continued my Stations of the Cross. I entered Zion’s Gate. After 20-30 minutes walk and squeezing through the crowd, I reached the Antonia Fortress. This was my eight Station. Here I reflected on the trial by Pilate (Jn. 19:28-40). I prayed for all those who have to make decisions for others, especially judges, they be fair and not be influenced by money or pressure. (The chapel of the Condemnation built on the ruins of the Antonia Fortress)
From there, I went to the Flagellation Chapel, which is nearby. This was my ninth Station. I reflected on John 19:1-16. Here, Jesus suffered mistreatment from the soldiers, flagellation, and the crowning of thorns, etc. I prayed for all who suffered tortures and abuse as well as those who did it. (A picture inside the Flagellation chapel, where Jesus was given the Cross to carry)
From there, I retraced the Via Dolorosa stopping at the fifth Station where Simon of Cyrene was asked to help carry the Cross (Lk.23:26). This was my tenth Station. I prayed for all the men who are helping us in our ministry, especially, the PEC and PPC members. (The present marker in the 5th Station)
From there, I continued walking to the eight Station where Jesus met the women of Jerusalem. This was my eleventh Station. I reflected on Lk. 23:27-31 and prayed for all the women who were very supportive of our ministry, especially the GKK leaders, PPC and PEC members and our many benefactors. (The present eight station with the brass sign at the wall as the marker)
From there, I walked to the Holy Sepulcher literally squeezing my way through the crowd that amassed in the Via Dolorosa. Along the way, I witnessed a group making live Stations of the Cross complete with props, sound system and police escorts. (A scene from the reenactment of the Jesus’ journey to Calvary on Good Friday in Jerusalem)
As I reached the Holy Sepulcher Church, I climb to the Calvary and continued my reflections reading Jn. 20:17-37. This was my twelfth Station. Here Jesus died on the cross with his loved ones, mother, aunt, Mary Magdalene, John, etc and soldiers and mockers at the other side. I prayed for all the dead Passionists, relatives, friends and acquaintances. I also prayed for all my living family members, friends, and partners in the ministry. (The present day Calvary)
The Franciscan thirteenth Station is prayed before the statue of the Mother of Sorrows at the side of the Crucified Christ at Calvary. This was my thirteenth Station, reflecting on John 19: 25-27 where Jesus entrusted Mary to John and John to Mary. Here I prayed for all mothers, especially those whom I know as well as their children. I also prayed for all orphans and widows. (Mother of Sorrows at the Calvary)
