To-day, Sunday, was the last day of the 4 week biblical programme. It's very hard to think that four full weeks have now passed with so many places and experiences. We were a few places since the last blog, but time running out with the programme, no time or too tired! To-day started with a lovely Eucharist celebrated just after sunrise on the terrace. RESURRECTION! During the mass I noticed a Jewish father and his children gathered on top of a nearby home obviously praying. Then the mass was "interrupted" by the local muezzin -calling people to prayer. This would have been the 2nd call to prayer. The first is at about 4.30 a.m., every day and usually wakes everybody. By the way, this first call includes the proclamation that "prayer is better than sleep"! One of the friends I made here left at about 8.30 a.m. Some others go later this evening. In the late morning, we had a final session, including presentation of certificates. Nice ceremony. Free since lunch time: went with someone for a leisurely stroll around the Christian and Jewish Quarters, stopping once or twice for fruit juice and coffee. Ended up late afternoon with another visit to the Holy Sepulchre where the memory of Calvary and the Tomb is preserved by the Latin and Orthodox Rites. Interestingly, the Greek Orthodox Church calls this place "The Place of Resurrection" choosing not to dwell too much with only Calvary. Early night to-night: I go to Bethlehem to-morrow lunchtime for 4 nights.
