You arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport. The moment you step off the plane, a representative is waiting for you, and she takes care of all the hassle of entering Israel. This is a trip that fills you with anticipation, because you are not looking only for spectacular views nor luxurious accommodations. For you, this is a pilgrimage, a trip for the soul. The beautiful sights and the luxury are a welcome element, nevertheless.
Before following in Jesus’ footsteps, you need to understand this place in all of its complicated context. Modern cities like Tel Aviv coexist together with ancient ones like Jaffa. The coast northward is splattered with Crusader ruins, and Roman cities. Overlooking Haifa, you visit an nondescript church, it is peaceful and the view is spectacular. On this very place in the summit of Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah contended against the priests of Baal. Suddenly, it hits you: you are in the Holy Land, and from now on, you must see with the eyes of the spirit.
The Galilee is the place where Jesus spent his youth. The city of Nazareth is where The Holy Family made their home. It is a site filled with tradition and history. Here, Christians of all denominations come in pilgrimage to give homage. Nazareth is also home to the largest community of Arab-speaking Christians. For them, the line between Worship and History is blurred. You have an exclusive opportunity to break bread with them, and experience in the flesh what it means to lead a Christian Life, in the place where Jesus himself walked.
On shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus performed many miracles. There are many sites that are still full of the echoes of spiritual awakening. You get to see many of them, but not in a tour-like manner. On the contrary, your guides are fully aware of the reverence that these sites inspire, and that the rhythms of the soul, are not those of the feet. You find ample time for contemplation and get a glimpse of the Historical Jesus, on the very places where He treaded. For you, a truthful moment of trepidation arrives as you are submerged in the baptismal waters of the Jordan.
As you make your way south towards Jerusalem, you are treated with a visit to Megiddo. In this place, the first recorded battle of History was fought. It so happens that here, the last conflagration will come to pass, according to the Book of Revelations. The peaceful ruins and lively Mediterranean forests that surround the site, seem to be unaware, of how heavy a burden they carry. It is not lost on you, who must now travel to the Holy City.
Jerusalem was conquered by King David some 3000 years ago. You explore dark tunnels, visit archaeological excavations that are trying to piece the past together. Jerusalem is full of mysteries, and between its golden streets you begin to realise that you too are a part of its history. All of humankind is! Pilgrims have been coming here for thousands of years: to pray, to repent, to seek for salvation. You have your very own spiritual quest, and before the altar in the Hill of Crucifixion, you find the words, and pray.
There is one final destination in your pilgrimage: the place where Jesus himself was tempted, the Judean Desert. It is a place of extravagant landscapes, of vertiginous descents, and contradictions. Here, there are waters where you do not sink: the Dead Sea. Here, Jewish rebels stood against the full might of the Roman Empire, and perished. Here Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. It is, in short, a place for religious strengthening. All of this remains hidden. The view from Masada is beautiful, and swimming in the Dead Sea is fun, the food is delicious. You remember: on this trip, you need to see with eyes of the spirit.
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