2nd Day: Temple Mount, Pool of Bethsaida and the Via Dolorosa

On drawing back the curtains, it was obvious that the weather was going to be much better than on the previous day, which was very encouraging. After another excellent breakfast, we met David in the lobby of the hotel, in preparation to catching our coach. I (Ann) was wearing my cassock in readiness for the Stations of the Cross later, but we were all warned not to wear crosses as this would prevent our entry onto the Temple Mount.

After a short wait, David received news that there was a problem with the bus, so we set off to walk through Old Jerusalem to the Western Wall. This was very interesting, and a welcome contrast to our walk later in the day, as at this time, the streets were quite quiet, and many shops were not yet open.

As we walked, David pointed out some of the very old slabs in the ground which had been uncovered and which were certainly 1st Century, so may even have been trodden on by Jesus. We walked through a tunnel which was partly 13th Century, and partly 1st Century, with Roman foundations, so again, Jesus would certainly have walked though the latter tunnel, as it brought us out right by where the Temple would have been. We were all permitted to go to the Wall, and to touch it and pray. Then it was through a metal detector and onto the Temple Mount, to view the Dome of the rock at close quarters. We were not allowed inside. We left at 10.00am in accordance with the Moslem authority instructions, and then saw the Sheep gate, which is the one through which Jesus would have come on Palm Sunday.

After a comfort stop, David found us a café where we could have a coffee break, after which we went to the Church of St Anne, which marks the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. The church has wonderful acoustics, and our party sang two verses of ‘And can it be’, then joined in with another church group as they sang ‘All hail the power of Jesu’s name’.

On that site was also situated the pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralysed man (John 5) We spent a little time walking round and looking at it.

David then led us to the Ecce Homo convent, another convent of the Sisters of Zion, where we were to have lunch. First, we went up to the roof, where David pointed out the whereabouts of the Antonia fortress and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Lunch was delicious, a salad starter followed by turkey in a savoury sauce, mashed potatoes and vegetables, then a cinnamon spiced carrot cake and coffee.

Following lunch, we walked the Stations of the Cross, with each person of the party doing one reading, and Mike filming them all, whilst I did a reflection and a prayer. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was not too busy, and everyone had the opportunity, if they wished, to touch the rock beneath the altar, and go into the tomb, and also touch the stone of anointing. David explained that these sites have received a good degree of authentication; but whatever may be the case, they have been soaked by the prayers of countless pilgrims; and to touch base in the very land, the very city, where Jesus died for us all is very precious.

After we had concluded our visit, we walked back through the market to the Garden Tomb, which is just round the corner from the hotel. Whatever may be its degree of authenticity, the fact of its being in a garden, in a quiet spot, gave it a lovely atmosphere, which we all enjoyed. But after quite a hard day walking-wise, we were all glad to get back for a sit down, a cuppa, and a well deserved rest.