--JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND / CALVARY ~~

'But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"'...
---(John 19:15 / NIV)--

~~~ Opinions differ as to where in Jerusalem Christ was crucified and buried. Some believe it was at the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; others think that it was on a hillside outside the city walls. The Via Dolorosa, a narrow, stone lane path within those walls, leads to both. It's thought to be the very route Jesus took to His crucifixion.

Walking the Via Dolorosa, I felt irritated by what I viewed as near-oblivion to the sanctity of this path. Crass crowds and the array of souvenir shops disturbed me. Yet, I realized, this was a glimpse into how it was in Jesus's day--the clamor of busy markets with hordes of noisy people.

The atmosphere I experienced changed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, ornate and lavishly decorated, and Calvary, stark, and simple, each reverent in its own way. The tones of those at both locations were hushed and respectful, silently waiting to kneel by, touch, and experience the holy spaces. The awareness that our Savior had suffered, died, and risen was palpable.

Why is the Via Dolorosa bustling with indifference and commercialism, while the sites of death and resurrection are worshipful? Perhaps it's a reminder that I like so many, get too wrapped up in the world, succumb to peer pressure, realize my errors too late, and bow down after the fact--when crisis has already struck.

My visit to Calvary was, appropriately, on a day of icy rain. I stared at the empty tomb, then huddled with others under umbrellas, absorbing the magnitude of the place. With them, I took Communion, grateful for our forgiving God. I know the grave is empty. I know Jesus conquered the grave and He is Alive! ~~

--"Lord God, may I never wait until crisis strikes to turn to You. May I always be thankful for all You have done for me (us). We now have eternal life with You." Hallelujah! "Come Lord Jesus, come." ~~
--"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying" --[Matthew 28:5-6]

~~Daily Guideposts/KTH~--"Remember"/ Passion // <https://youtu.be/34dN7-dO0CA>
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