In Jesus' Footsteps

We have completed the pathway that pilgrims have been taking for centuries - the Via Dolorosa. I had a picture in my mind of how this would be...it was a dark and narrow scene in my imagination. Maybe because we got up early and started our way at 6 a.m. the trail of 14 stations of the cross was worshipful, comforting, light-filled stretching of the heart... and the materials we used alongside scripture very definitely connected Jesus' suffering to that of people in the world today. We made a peaceful procession; unexpectedly, at one point I was carrying the wooden cross from one station to the next. We assigned readings ahead of time but cross carrying was spontaneous, as was the singing of simple songs such as "Were You There." The Old City of Jerusalem is built many feet above its level in Jesus' day, so we were not literally on the path from the Roman court to Golgotha. But those Good Friday events did happen in this area, and I am grateful to those various Christians who are faithful to maintain the sites. It is a spiritual path amidst shops, children headed for school, other tourists, carts laden with goods - winding its way through everyday life.