Tracking Easter in Israel

COWETA ABROAD

Written and Photographed by JACKIE KENNEDY

 

Easter is observed throughout the world in recognition of the day Christ rose from the dead. A pilgrimage to Israel provides Christians opportunity to walk the path Jesus took to Calvary and to ponder his resurrection at his burial tomb.

While COVID-19 has slowed travel for the past year, companies experienced in excursions to Israel are prepared to fly as soon as the pandemic wanes. In 2018, I visited Israel with a group assembled by The Georgia Bulletin, the newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta. Leading our excursion was Unitours, a tour company that’s led Catholic pilgrimages to Israel since 1957. But you don’t have to be Catholic to be included; in our group of 27, I was one of five protestant pilgrims. Visit unitours.com for information.

Closer to home, Biblical Resources, in LaGrange, takes study tours to Israel each year with renowned biblical archaeologist James Fleming and Hannaniah Pinto leading the way. With a focus on archaeology, geography, history and theology, small groups traveling with Biblical Resources experience Bible stories coming to life in the land where they originated. Visit biblicalresources.net for information.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem, encompasses the sites where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem, encompasses the sites where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

At the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his disciples to watch out for him as he prayed, but they fell asleep. Today, ancient olive trees fill the gardens, and stones spell out "Peace."

At the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his disciples to watch out for him as he prayed, but they fell asleep. Today, ancient olive trees fill the gardens, and stones spell out "Peace."

A rock carving at the site depicts the Savior agonizing over his fate.

A rock carving at the site depicts the Savior agonizing over his fate.

In Jerusalem, visitors are allowed to mingle in the lower room while the Upper Room is off-limits to tourists in order to prevent further deterioration. Beyond this barred window is said to be the spot where Jesus shared his last supper – and first c

In Jerusalem, visitors are allowed to mingle in the lower room while the Upper Room is off-limits to tourists in order to prevent further deterioration. Beyond this barred window is said to be the spot where Jesus shared his last supper – and first communion – with the disciples.

We rent a wooden cross and take turns carrying it along the Via Dolorosa, through Old Jerusalem to Mount Calvary. At each Station of the Cross, the priest leading our group stops to read scripture and pray as we contemplate the Passion of Christ. The

We rent a wooden cross and take turns carrying it along the Via Dolorosa, through Old Jerusalem to Mount Calvary. At each Station of the Cross, the priest leading our group stops to read scripture and pray as we contemplate the Passion of Christ. The ancient path is long, narrow, winding and crowded.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre serves as a magnet for Christian pilgrims throughout the world and across centuries. The holy site attracts thousands daily. Originally a set of abandoned stone quarries, the nondescript Golgotha became the cornerston

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre serves as a magnet for Christian pilgrims throughout the world and across centuries. The holy site attracts thousands daily. Originally a set of abandoned stone quarries, the nondescript Golgotha became the cornerstone of Christianity after Christ's resurrection there.

Inside, we view the Rock of Calvary under glass on either side of an altar under which is the spot believed to be where the cross was raised. One by one, pilgrims kneel and bend under the altar to touch the ground where Jesus gave his life for us.

Inside, we view the Rock of Calvary under glass on either side of an altar under which is the spot believed to be where the cross was raised. One by one, pilgrims kneel and bend under the altar to touch the ground where Jesus gave his life for us.

No matter the season, the highpoint of a visit to Israel for Christians is the opportunity to enter the rock-cut tomb where Jesus was buried. A small but elaborately adorned building covers the tomb, which serves as the centerpiece of the Church of t

No matter the season, the highpoint of a visit to Israel for Christians is the opportunity to enter the rock-cut tomb where Jesus was buried. A small but elaborately adorned building covers the tomb, which serves as the centerpiece of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Throughout Jerusalem, art devoted to Christ’s life, death and resurrection is evident in paintings, statuary and architecture, such as this depiction of Christ’s preparation for burial just beyond the Stone of Anointing.

Throughout Jerusalem, art devoted to Christ’s life, death and resurrection is evident in paintings, statuary and architecture, such as this depiction of Christ’s preparation for burial just beyond the Stone of Anointing.

At the Stone of Anointing, pilgrims touch and rub oils into the rock slab said to be where Joseph of Arimathea prepared Christ’s body for burial.

At the Stone of Anointing, pilgrims touch and rub oils into the rock slab said to be where Joseph of Arimathea prepared Christ’s body for burial.

No photography is allowed inside the tomb, and only three may enter at a time. Inside the small tomb where Jesus was laid to rest, we kneel, pray and touch the new stone that protects the ancient stone bed just below. Not only is this the site where

No photography is allowed inside the tomb, and only three may enter at a time. Inside the small tomb where Jesus was laid to rest, we kneel, pray and touch the new stone that protects the ancient stone bed just below. Not only is this the site where Christ’s body was placed; it is where he took his first breath of new life when resurrected. It is what happened at this spot that makes me believe new life awaits me, too.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12