Author: revdbeth

I am a retired Episcopal priest after serving over thirty years in Diocese of Texas and a Benedictine Oblate of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana. I'm also an eighth generation Texan. My daughter, The Homesick Texan, has moved back home to Texas. My son and his wife live in Bend, Oregon, with my two grandsons who call me Grandma Texas.

Around the wilderness in a little bus

Today we had a preview of the next week as we got into our minibus and drove around Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives to south of the city overlooking the way Abraham may have approached as he took his son, Isaac, to be sacrificed.

We stopped several times for the view and for excellent teaching that placed the geography of the city in the context of a particular time and of Holy Scripture.

Very sweet.

I’ll write again when I’m in wifi friendly land. For the next week I’ll be traveling with the other pilgrims through Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.

Traveling mercies to us all.

And so it begins

Today is our last day at St.George’s College before we leave for a week in the wilderness. It appears that at least three nights involve tents though one supposedly has electric outlets.

This may be my last day of WiFi for a while, so I wanted to talk about room at the college which will be the place to which I return from the wilderness.

Each room is named for a place or event in Jesus’ life. Mine is called Tabgha. I have to admit that I did not recognize the place when I entered for the first time. With only a little research, I decided that I am in the perfect room for this pilgrimage.

See if you agree:

Matthew 14. 13-21, Mark 6. 30-44, Mark 8. 1-9, Luke 6. 17-19

This is one of the places my brother Richard and I will go on our pilgrimage after the pilgrimage.

Phos Hilaron–Jerusalem Style

At Evensong at the Cathedral last night we did a version of O Gracious Light that was new to me.

Since this evening song is dear to so many, I thought I’d share with you.

Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory
poured
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly
blest
holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now we are come to the sun’s hour of
rest,
the lights of evening round us shine.
we hymn the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit divine.

Worthy are you at all times to be sung with undefiled tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of Life, alone:
therefore in all the world your glories,
Lord, they own.

Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem

I’m here, and my course starts this evening. I’ve had two very good days of rest. All is very well.

I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”

For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God.
from Psalm 122