WILDERNESS of TKO'A and MAR SABA
At breakfast we decided to head south into the West Bank through Bethlehem to find a well that is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament in an area known as Tko’a. It is an area associated with the prophet Amos. After walking through the Bethlehem checkpoint and into the West Bank we negotiated for three taxis to take us into the wilderness of the Judean hills to first find the well. Wilderness here is truly wilderness. One can draw a line and on the right side there is grass and green growth and on the left.... nothing, absolutely nothing.
It must be a curiousity to the local Palestinians to see these westerners drive up in taxis at an ancient stone well near which they have lived for years, and to see them read scripture. But that’s what we did. It is amazing to think of persons like the prophet Amos wandering these parts of the Mediterranean preaching a message to the people. After numerous pictures and avoiding a few rambuncious sheep we were off to find the Mar Saba Monastery. It was even further out in the wilderness.
What a wonderful place. In the middle of nowhere an oasis of thought, learning and devotion to God greeted us. Timothy, one of our group is a former abbott of a benedictine community and so he became our ticket to enter the monastery, except for the woman in our group – no women allowed here.
The Orthodox priest/monk was most welcoming even though he asked if there were any Protestants among our merry little band. He showed us around and explained the significance of their community where at one time lived more than 5,000 monks along the valley, the Kidron Valley that makes its way from Jerusalem through Mar Saba on its way to the Dead Sea. It is an ascetic life to be certain, nestled in the confines of its stone walls and perched in the steep valley. The founder. Saint Sabas performed many miracles and continues to do so even though he has been dead for 1,500 years. We were shown his body and miraculously it is still intact, without embalming.
We were further treated at the end of our impromptu tour to Greek coffee and zambuka and coconut covered candy.
Upon leaving a small group of local boys had wandered through as they are enjoying holidays frm school. While none spoke English it was apparent they were interested in us westerners and we enjoyed one another’s company, however briefly.
This is a land of contrasts. Harsh, life-sapping wilderness and life-giving, joyous hospitality. Truly amazing!
Enjoy the pictures below......
It must be a curiousity to the local Palestinians to see these westerners drive up in taxis at an ancient stone well near which they have lived for years, and to see them read scripture. But that’s what we did. It is amazing to think of persons like the prophet Amos wandering these parts of the Mediterranean preaching a message to the people. After numerous pictures and avoiding a few rambuncious sheep we were off to find the Mar Saba Monastery. It was even further out in the wilderness.
What a wonderful place. In the middle of nowhere an oasis of thought, learning and devotion to God greeted us. Timothy, one of our group is a former abbott of a benedictine community and so he became our ticket to enter the monastery, except for the woman in our group – no women allowed here.
The Orthodox priest/monk was most welcoming even though he asked if there were any Protestants among our merry little band. He showed us around and explained the significance of their community where at one time lived more than 5,000 monks along the valley, the Kidron Valley that makes its way from Jerusalem through Mar Saba on its way to the Dead Sea. It is an ascetic life to be certain, nestled in the confines of its stone walls and perched in the steep valley. The founder. Saint Sabas performed many miracles and continues to do so even though he has been dead for 1,500 years. We were shown his body and miraculously it is still intact, without embalming.
We were further treated at the end of our impromptu tour to Greek coffee and zambuka and coconut covered candy.
Upon leaving a small group of local boys had wandered through as they are enjoying holidays frm school. While none spoke English it was apparent they were interested in us westerners and we enjoyed one another’s company, however briefly.
This is a land of contrasts. Harsh, life-sapping wilderness and life-giving, joyous hospitality. Truly amazing!
Enjoy the pictures below......
posted by Philip | 2:24 p.m.
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