Following in the footsteps of Jesus- Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Since biblical times, people have been journeying to the Holy Land, located in Israel and Palestine, for its religious significance. Christians revere the Holy Land as sacred because Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and ministered in Jerusalem, where he was also crucified and resurrected. To journey to the Holy Land is truly to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
The Holy Land holds religious significance for other religions as well. Jerusalem is the site of Temple Mount and the Wailing Wall, both holy sites for the Jewish religion. Mount Sinai in Egypt is a sacred site for Muslims. The list of places that are sacred to various religions goes on and on. The Holy Land is a destination that calls to millions, whether they practice a certain faith or not. It is a sacred land that is the journey’s end for a countless number of pilgrimages. Should you decide to take this incredible journey, prepare to be in awe of the numerous sacred sites you will have the privilege of seeing. You will also want to bring good walking shoes. If you are familiar with any passages in the Bible, Torah and Quran, you know that everyone from Jesus, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to Moses, the Profit Muhammad and the disciples did a lot of walking. Expect to do the same.
The Altar of the Crucifixion in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified
Christianity is the most followed religion in the world. The importance of the Holy Land to Christians is centered on the life of Jesus Christ. As you make your way through the Holy Land, you will bear witness to sacred sites such as the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. The Virgin Mary is thought to have grown up in Tzippori. Jesus ministered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and walked on its waters. You will see the cave dwelling of John the Baptist. You can travel the road to Jericho where, according to Jesus, the Good Samaritan performed his good deeds.
One of the most sacred places in the Holy Land is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the site where Jesus was held in what is known as the Prison of Christ. He was crucified on the Hill of Calvary and the Stone of Anointing, where he was prepared for burial, lies just within the church. He was buried in the sepulcher and resurrected three days later. With such an amazing history, there is no other way to describe this site than as holy ground.
The Prison of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land offers you the experience of a lifetime. Not only will you experience the awe-inspiring religious sites, but the local sites and flavors. For instance, in Israel, you can eat some of the world’s best fruits, including oranges and grapefruits. You can dine on traditional meals of falafel, which are deep fried balls of chickpeas. In keeping with Israeli tradition, be sure and enjoy a salad with every meal, even breakfast. Not only will you be honoring their customs, you will be watching your waistline at the same time!
Even on a pilgrimage as holy as this, you can still find plenty of places for shopping and souvenirs. Relish in the atmosphere, the environment and the history of this sacred and holy land. Walking the paths that Jesus walked is an opportunity that you will not want to miss.
August 24 2010 07:23 am | Uncategorized