The children of Israel–priests, Levites, and the other returned exiles– celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. (Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092623.cfm
Visiting Jerusalem on pilgrimage is a religious experience for Jews, Christians and Moslems. I found myself overwhelmed at the Wailing Wall and on the Via Dolorosa and in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the other holy places. Perhaps, over 50 years of studies and ministry prepared me to experience the profound joy of standing on the Temple Mount.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Tuesday, Week XXV, Ordinary Time
