Jerusalem |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Jerusalem David, wanting to unite the people into one kingdom, no doubt selected Jerusalem because it was centrally located between the northern and southern tribes. It was situated on a hill (Mount Zion), with valleys to east and west and ravines to the south, giving it many defensive advantages. However, the selection of Jerusalem as capital was more than the choice of a human king. It was a place chosen by the Lord God 'out of all the tribes' and which He 'designates as His dwelling'. Deuteronomy 12: 5,6,9-11,13,14,18,20,21
After He took up His public ministry at His Baptism in the Jordan, Jesus cleansed the Temple, driving out those who had desecrated it. Matthew 21: 8-13. He foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70AD, leaving today but a portion of a ("wailing") wall of the temple, Luke 19: 37-44, and finally, it was outside Jerusalem that He was crucified, buried and resurrected.
Fifty days later, the Cenacle in Jerusalem - the upper room where the Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist had taken place prior to His death - became the setting for the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the fledgling Church.Acts 2: 1-8. After the martyrdom of Stephen it was from Jerusalem that the Church scattered (or spread) Acts 8: 1-8, but to which the believers always returned for important events. Acts 15: 1-18. After the fall of Jerusalem, it was not until 1919, under a British Protectorate, that Jerusalem regained its status as capital city of Palestine. During the next three decades, many Jews returned from Europe and elsewhere and, after the Arab-Israeli war of 1948-49, the new city that had grown up was given over to Jewish rule, while the old city remained in Muslim control. Within 20 years, after a six-day war begun by Syria and Egypt, Israel annexed all of Jerusalem and much of the surrounding lands. To the victor the spoils of war, but it was to leave a legacy of suffering, hatred and discontent to the vanquished and the victor. Lasting solutions have proved elusive . . . This is the land to which the successor of Peter came as a messenger of peace in 2009. Pope Benedict was thus visiting one of the five official patriarchal sees of the Church, namely Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem. The patriarchal see of Jerusalem includes Jordan, Palestinian Territories and Israel.
“Christian identity in Holy Land is in danger”
Cardinal O'Brien mourns situation of Christians in Jesus' Land
Vatican Radio - The Cenacle in Jerusalem Part 1
Part 2
Pope's Itinerary in Jerusalem in 2009 Tuesday 12th May Friday 15th May Symbols and Significance of Pilgrimage to Holy Land Get the Flash Player to see this player. Five Days in Israel & Palestinian Territories Cardinal Foley encourages pilgrimages to Holy Land
there is a free download from the internet which will greatly improve matters. Here is the link
DAY 2 - Tuesday
DAY 1 - Monday
PREPARATORY
The Cedron Valley prepares to welcome the Pope
Other Map Locations in which to view Pope Benedict's visit to the Holy Land:
|