Part Five
Full Day #4
Today it is all about Bethlehem!
We begin by going to the Shepherds Field. Tradition dictates this is the place where the angels appeared to shepherds, announcing the birth of the Christ child. This does involve a Mass which is the first one we’ve had outdoors.
This particular Mass also provides a quick humorous interlude:
As I indicated previously, my wife and I are not Catholic so while we do attend each Mass during this pilgrimage we do not take communion because we want to be in accordance with the church rules. In the previous Masses this was no issue because we would sit at the back of the church, knowing that doing so we would not impede anyone going up to receive the Eucharist.
Today however, Geogal and I are standing towards the back (as usual) and when it comes time for the distribution of communion, Father Dave heads right to the rear and approaches me with the hosts! I was caught off guard and try to be quiet by simply shaking my head “no,” and attempted to come up with some “no, no, not me” sign. While a bit uneasy in the moment, it’s one of those that just even a few minutes later causes me to look back and laugh.
When the Mass is ended (“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!”) we all have some downtime to walk around this area. If memory serves me correctly I think the original plan was to celebrate Mass in one of the caves, yet due to many other groups coming to this area the caves were taken. Therefore, Mass outside!
(If I’m wrong on my recollection anyone else who was on this trip is welcome to let me know.)
After some time enjoying the outdoors and reflecting that this landscape (very rocky) was similar to what the shepherds walked 2000-some years ago it’s time to get to the next destination on the itinerary. Once again, back on the buses and we head to the Church of the Nativity.
It should go without saying I’ve been looking forward to being able to be at or extremely near the spot where Jesus was born.
However…because this is a highly visited area, our group winds up standing in line for around 90 minutes.
(I’m really glad I’m over my sciatic pain issue otherwise all this standing would’ve been agony.)
Finally, Geogal and I get our chance. You have to get down on your knees due to the design of the surrounding building materials. Still, it is incredibly meaningful to place your hand on the spot where Jesus was born.
With the wait over, now it’s time to have lunch!
Something else I’ve enjoyed (at least up until now) was that the meals were all within my food preferences. This lunch, however, was one that was, let’s just say, pasta-intense. Unfortunately there was little meat to go along with it so it’s the first meal that I didn’t truly truly enjoy, although the fellowship was still good.
After lunch is over the day becomes much more casual. We go to a place called The Store. This is one of the few places in Bethlehem that is run by Christians and it features plenty of carvings and other crafts to serve as mementos of this area.
Something that really gets my attention and warrants a picture is an urn that held the held one of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Geogal and I actually don’t take too long in the store, however there are other members of our group that are making significant purchases. As such, we have some more leisure time. After the rapid pace of the last 2 to 3 days I welcome the casual time.
After what seems like a long wait, everyone’s finally back on the buses that whisk us to the hotel. After a brief rest, we gather again and arrive at a restaurant for more feasting, followed by karaoke.
Did I grab a mic and sing?
No.