In 2016, Suzanne and I were blessed to be a part of the St. Luke’s team that went to Jerusalem to see firsthand the locations of the Bible. We were able to stand on the Temple steps in Jerusalem, sail on the Sea of Galilee, step into the Jordan River, and experience the Via Dolorosa.
The Via Dolorosa is the route that they believe the Roman Soldiers forced Jesus to walk on the way to His crucifixion. There are various stops along the route where specific things that happened to Jesus were supposed to have occured.
While I enjoyed the walk and seeing the specific locations, it was different than what I expected. Many of the sites around Jerusalem had sacred areas roped off or areas that were blocked off, and we couldn’t be too close. This was not the case for the Via Dolorosa. There were signs on the walls of the small streets designating the locations of the Via Dolorosa, but was just like other areas of the Old City with stores lining the streets.
The shop keepers we passed didn’t pay attention to those of us walking the route other than trying to sell us souvenirs. They didn’t see it as a holy place the way I anticipated it would be. They were simply working their jobs, trying to make a living. Maybe if we had been there during Holy Week, they would have paid more attention to the holiness of the street, but I doubt it.
During Lent and especially during Holy Week, we probably pay more attention to the things of God that we take for granted during the rest of the year. Maybe we read more devotionals or attend worship every week. But God is with us every day. Many times, we are like the shop owners in Jerusalem. We may be walking where Jesus walked and not even realize how close He is.
The Bible says in Isaiah that God is always with us. He is there whether we acknowledge Him or not. Make a decision today to take time each day of the year to be connected with God the same way you are during Lent.
Brent Manning, Director of Communications
