Baptism in the Jordan

After the death of Moses, obeying the word of God that had been given to Joshua, ancient Israel entered Canaan, east to west, by crossing the Jordan River near Jericho. This movement of people, the manner rich in symbolism, would have a resonance with events centuries later in the time of Jesus.  Joshua 3: 9-17. The place and the event was of such importance that it had to be marked. Joshua 4: 5-7 .

John the baptist prepared the way for the same God at the Jordan. Matthew 3: 3-9. The voice of the Father helps us make the link with the events centuries before in this region.Matthew 3: 11-14.

Not surprisingly, John the evangelist, a disciple of the Baptist and an eyewitness to the events, has the fullest account of all that happened at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. John 1: 19-42.

Pope Benedict's Schedule in Jordan in 2009

Sunday 10th May Afternoon, Visit to 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan', site of the Lord's Baptism, where he will bless the cornerstones of the Latin and Greek-Melkite churches. [next map location: Amman]

Symbols and Significance of Pilgrimage to Holy Land

Sean Patrick Lovett will be travelling with the Pope to the Holy Land.  He told us about one of Pope Benedict’s stated goals for the trip – strengthening the Christian community.