Today we traveled to the city of Hebron. Home to about a quarter of a million people, it is the second largest city in the West Bank. While there, we visited the Tomb of the Patriarchs, originally built by Herod the Great, which is now a combined mosque and synagogue. For many of us, this was our first experience of a mosque and synagogue. Visiting this site was interesting but perhaps more so it was grounding to see the tombs of our Old Testament biblical ancestors. As we read in Genesis 13, Hebron is the place of Abraham and the Tomb of the Patriarchs encapsulates the tombs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. It gave a whole new meaning to ancestry, family trees, and going to cemeteries to visit and pray for loved ones who have gone before us.
After spending a few minutes at each of the tombs in silent prayer and reflection, we then traveled a short distance to visit a Russian Orthodox Church which marks the site of the oak trees that we read about in Genesis 18 where Abraham pitched his tent and had the encounter with the three visitors. We marveled once again at the beauty of the icons that we saw in the church as we entered into silent prayer. As we stood in the area of the oak trees, many of us reflected on the Biblical account found in Genesis 18.
From there, we traveled another short distance to Herodion, the highest point in the Judaean Desert, nearly 2500 feet above sea level. Wow! Talk about the views! HGTV has nothing on this place. Herodion is the only site named after King Herod the Great who gets his title for his reputation as a great builder. We may recognize his name as he is the one who ordered the slaughter of the Innocents that we read about in Matthew’s Gospel. His son, Herod Antipas, is known to us for his role in the New Testament that led to the execution of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Herodian is an impressive place by any standard. The high palace-fortress allows for stunning views today which also served Herod well in his rule. There is an elaborate tunnel network, bathhouses, four large cisterns, fresco artwork, a royal theater, and other impressive features. Work and excavation of the site continues. In 2007, what is believed to be the tomb of Herod the Great was discovered.
I encourage you to take a moment right now to remember your own ancestors and offer a prayer for them. Also, let us not be so caught up by “stunning” views that we miss the magnificent view right in front of us each day…the beauty of the rising sun, the innocence of a child, the gentleness of a loved one, a job well done. Let us also be mindful of the view calling for our attention…the silent suffering of our neighbor, the loneliness of a friend, the hurt of a colleague. May all of these views be an encounter with God for each of us.
As our class moves ever closer to our Diaconate Ordinations, we are blessed to be on this pilgrimage together and we hope in some way you may also live out this pilgrimage through us. Thank you for your support and for journeying with us. Please know of our prayers for you and please continue to keep us in your prayers as well.
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