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Sunday 19 May 2013

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE - Day 4 : Qumran, Dead Sea, Masada and Jericho


HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE -Day 4

Through the Judean Wilderness. Mile after mile of the stony barren wilderness with occasional sightings of camels, goats, sheep and Bedouin settlements. These latter are a vexation to the Israeli government as they are an uncontrollable element of society, knowing all the hidden ways of the barren hills. Bedouin tents have the appearance of a small shanty- town and it seems a marvel that they can access water in some very uncompromising terrain. Suddenly, all one's preconceptions about desert and wilderness need revision as mile after mile of stark hills with a minimum of vegetation sweep away into the far distance on either side of the coach. The man who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho alone in the story might possibly have been regarded as a fool by Jesus's listeners! There is, unsurprisingly, a Good Samaritan Inn.

Food for thought too, prompted by Bishop Stephen that this hostile environment gave rise to the Desert movement in the early years of the church - for it is very easy to understand that this barren place, which would have been familiar to Jesus, offered a way to escape from the excesses of large community living and reflect on the spiritual needs of humanity, oneself and the temptations of the world, unfettered by the pressure of a City or town. Reminded too that this movement likely gave rise to the more robust form of Celtic spirituality; more evidence of the rapid growth of early Christianity.


This desert is also where the Dead Sea scrolls were found at Qumran - a place in the middle of 'Nowhere'. A fascinating visitor centre film introduced us to the Essene community that produced the scrolls and made the pots in which they were left for posterity. Ritual cleansing before scribing on the scrolls feels an unbelievable distance away from our casual turning to our computers, phones and tablets and fingering the keys to produce whatever material we will. And that community could scarcely have envisioned the world in which the scrolls were uncovered between 1947 and the mid fifties. These parchments of Old Testament writings were beautifully executed as can be seen from the facsimile on display. The story of their discovery and the subsequent machinations are far too long to tell here and felt to me to be the subject for a thriller novel (I'm sure there will be at least one in print). There are excellent articles available on the web which I will hope to look at when life returns to normal. It seems incredible that amongst these articles there is access to the full scrolls content - another contrast to reflect upon


At Qumran, we can see the Dead Sea and return to drive along its Western shore. Here, Maureen, our guide tells us of the catastrophic drop in the levels of the Sea - receding at a startling 1 metre a year. Maureen was in the region some years back and was able to point us to places which had been covered by the sea two and a half decades ago. The drop since the early part of the 20th century has been over 25 metres. International intervention is needed but it is not surprising to hear how political actions become diverted, perverted and lost, embedded as they are in a complex region of water scarcity.


One intriguing visit gives way to another as we visit Masada, the hilltop summer palace and later hill-fort of rebel Zealots, then overrun by the Romans. The story of the self sacrifice of the rebels was brought to life by a splendid rendition of The rebel leader's speech to his followers on the eve of the Roman's incursion, read to us by Alan Jesson in the Synagogue -which is just a small area of the vast hilltop complex (but large enough to house our group several times over).

 Whichever regime built and fortified this astonishing complex, I cannot, as so often, but wonder how many slaves died in the construction - unremarked, unremembered. It was almost certainly thousands or tens of thousands as they lifted huge rocks into place with the crudest of construction tools in relentless heat day after day after day. The cable car ride up was exhilarating - and like the Central Line at rush hour on the way down!


Pam, sadly, was too unwell to enjoy this particular sight but thankfully had recovered sufficiently to enjoy floating in the Dead Sea, an experience she had really looked forward to. One has to wonder if this will continue to be possible if the constant lowering of the water level concentrates the salt and other minerals more and more and more.


Penultimate  location of the day was Jericho at the north end of the Dead Sea and a haunt for Jesus and his followers. A sight across a valley to the Monastery of the Temptation hanging on the desert rock face above a now fertile valley. Reading of the Temptation narrative there made it easy to  imagine the two temptations of turning rocks into bread (there are just so many around) and being shown the kingdoms of the region from the top of a mountain. Seeing Temple Mount in Jerusalem earlier also made that temptation vivid. The bus made a short stop by a sycamore tree and we were invited to reflect on the story of Zaccheus.


Few people seemed to have much energy for a stop at a glassware, porcelain and fruit shop where the pressure applied contrasted sharply with the gentle sales techniques of the Nazareth Co-op which, I suspect did far better out if us collectively.

Although previous pilgrimages (at least in 2009)had not been able to visit Wadi Kilt to overlook the desert venue of St George of Choziba's monastery as the road had been closed by Israeli settlers, we were able to pass a blue/ white closure barrier to see the monastery nestled in a surprisingly fertile valley. Here I let myself be persuaded to buy a kufiyah (Bedouin head dress) From a small group of sellers amidst the rocks. Like any well instructed tourist, I went into bargaining mode and ended up paying 10 shekels less than the asking price ( which had first been in dollars - and I was not really believed when I said I had none). My vendor was not delighted and as I left he compared what that would mean to me compared to what it would mean to his family. Reflecting on this on the coach, I felt quite ashamed of my lack of generosity - and I also failed to purchase a bracelet from the little boy in the group which Pam had liked. Not a good experience. However, I do have an excellent prop for next Christmas' round of all age services - and I will be reminded then of my meanness again. No wonder the powerless nations go on being disadvantaged when I can't summon more generosity. Perhaps another moment that Jesus wept!


Ibex, camels, feral cats, sheep and goats dotted around the desert as we returned weary from another very full day - Oh yes, together with another spawning Israeli settlement started with a gathering if mobile homes. Fascinating to be reminded this nationalist movement as a direct response to the Holocaust, signalling a determination that that will never happen to the Israeli nation again at the cost of the Palestinians.

Wildfires: Evidence of Climate Chaos

Wildfires: Evidence of Climate Chaos
Wildfires: Evidence of Climate Chaos

Cascade of Stars and Gas (Imagined image: CGI)

Cascade of Stars and Gas (Imagined image: CGI)
Cascade of Stars and Gases. This image will take you to the meditation 'Deep Silence'

Butterfly Nebula (CGI)

Butterfly Nebula (CGI)
The Imaginary Butterfly Nebula . Anything like this would be a real Curiosity! The image will link you to the reflection titled 'Curiosity' which is actually a celebration of the achievement of landing the Mars Rover of that name

Ten thousand billion suns - A scintilla of God’s Universe

Ten thousand billion suns - A scintilla of God’s Universe
It is currently thought that the Universe has at least 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars! Hence the use of the word ‘scintilla’ for a mere ten thousand billion.

Cross and Particle Accelerator (CGI)

Cross and Particle Accelerator (CGI)
Cross and Particle Accelerator. The words of 'A Prayer for Understanding' can be viewed by clicking on this image

Nebula (Embroidery)

Nebula (Embroidery)
Nebula (Embroidery) to accompany the poem 'Invitation' which can be found by clicking on the image.

Nativity Star (CGI)

Nativity Star (CGI)
Nativity Star: This image will link you to the collection of new Carols on this site. Also, the image can easily be copied onto an overhead acetate and used as a window decoration. Easy for children to achieve. Note the cross at the centre of the star.

Orange Galaxy

Orange Galaxy
'Orange Galaxy' posted to accompany 'Bounded and Boundless'. Go to the poem by clicking on the image.

Cosmic Ikon 8 Moth

Cosmic Ikon 8 Moth
Cosmic Ikon 8: Moth Nebula(imagined-acrylic) The Gold field of deep space is intended to convey the Lordship of Christ over the whole of the Cosmos

Surprise garden rose (Photo)

Surprise garden rose (Photo)
This beautiful head of roses in our garden, which are giving off a delightful perfume in the morning sun, seems a fitting picture to link to the sonnet 'Evolution and Beauty'. Let the picture take you there. It is a surprise because it is growing high on a bush of otherwise pure yellow roses: amazing!

Cross and Vortex

Cross and Vortex
'Cross and Vortex' to accompany 'Stars and Planets Sing Your Glory'. Click on the image to go to the poem/hymn.

Gaseous Cosmic Threads (Mixed media)

Gaseous Cosmic Threads (Mixed media)
Gaseous Cosmic Threads: Mixed media - acrylics and painted threads

St Francis’ Sky (Photo)

St Francis’ Sky (Photo)
Warm Umbrian Hills: Click image to take you to the poem St Francis' Sky

Cosmic Icon 7 Summerflower

Cosmic Icon 7 Summerflower
Cosmic Icon 7 - Summerflower Nebula (Acrylic)

Cosmic Labyrinth (CGI)

Cosmic Labyrinth (CGI)
'Cosmic Labyrinth' - This icon is a symbol of the path through the near reaches of the Cosmos with its 'Havens' where current advances in science (2012/13) are celebrated. By clicking on the picture you will be taken to the latest version of the poem of the same name.

Cross of Autumn Leaves (cropped Photo)

Cross of Autumn Leaves (cropped Photo)
Time, perhaps to consider a restorative break before the approach of Advent/ Christmas. Let this image take you to 'On Drawing Apart'.

IONA: The Marble Quarry (Photo)

IONA: The Marble Quarry (Photo)
On the South shore of Iona is a bay which shows the industrial scarring of a beautiful place. Read of it by clicking on the picture

Celtic cross candle (Photo)

Celtic cross candle (Photo)
Celtic Cross and candle' linked to the poem 'Awesome, Wonderful Creator'. Go to the poem by clicking on the image.

Light of the World amidst stars (CGI)

Light of the World amidst stars (CGI)
'Light of the world' posted to accompany 'To Light'. Find the poem by clicking on the image.

Iona from Fionnphort (Watercolour)

Iona from Fionnphort (Watercolour)
Iona from Fionnphort. At this point of the Isle of Mull, the end of a pilgrimage or trip to Iona is in sight. Click on this picture to take you to the poem 'IONA - The Pilgrim Way'

My Mesh Mask for Radiotherapy

My Mesh Mask for Radiotherapy
This is the mask which was moulded to my face to ensure the radiotherapy I had in April 2017 was precisely targeted. You can read more by clicking on the image

Double Celebration

Double Celebration
Pam, who has been magnificent in caring for me since my Cancer diagnosis in October and I celebrate the end of Radiotherapy and our 36th Wedding Anniversary (Note the return of some hair!). Click on the image to read about the treatment - and waiting.

St Neots Sunset (Photo)

St Neots Sunset (Photo)
Surrounded by beauty: Whie 'Evolution and Beauty' became one of the most viewed poems on this blog, Pam, my wife took this gorgeous picture of a sunset over the flatlands of Cambridgeshire UK. Click on it to go to the poem

Gabriel - written/painted by Pam, my wife in 2015

Gabriel - written/painted by Pam, my wife in 2015
Gabriel began the Christmas story with his visit to Mary. The story is told in our Christmas collection in the Carol, Go to Nazareth My Great Messenger. Click on this image to take you there.

Maple Leaf Nebula (CGI)

Maple Leaf Nebula (CGI)
IMAGINARY IMAGE TO CELEBRATE CANADA DAY: Click on this his imaginary 'Maple Leaf Nebula' to take you to a poem entitled 'Nebula' (image not to be confused with NGC 2024, the Flame Nebula which is also known as the Maple Leaf)

Beauty in the Garden - June 2016

Beauty in the Garden - June 2016
Beauty in the Garden - June 2016

Aurora Imagined over Iona (Watercolour & pastel)

Aurora Imagined over Iona (Watercolour & pastel)
First posted here on Adomnan’s day (23rd September) 2015. An imagined natural phenomenom that could be seen to resonate mystically with the idea of Iona being a ‘thin place’ where heaven brushes earth.

Assisi Sunset

Assisi Sunset
Assisi Sunset

Thinking about the Brain

Thinking about the Brain
This image is formed from a small section of neural pathways posted by the Koch Institute, clipped, part inverted and stitched together. It is intended to impart a sense of our extensive, but still partial understanding of what goes on in that awesome part of our bodies, our brains. By clicking on the image, you will be taken to a celebratory poem/song ‘For Amazement by Beauty’ about all of our senses.

Source (CGI by Trevor Thorn)

Source (CGI by Trevor Thorn)
Source: Expand the image to reveal its heart

Rainbow spiral (CGI)

Rainbow spiral (CGI)
'Rainbow Spiral' to accompany 'Darkness,Illuminator' . Find the poem by clicking on the iImagined mage

Cross and simple Prayer rope (Photo)

Cross and simple Prayer rope (Photo)
Cross and simple prayer rope: make one like this to use as an aid to using ‘The Jesus Prayer'