The 8th Day

John's gospel says that on the 8th day after the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, he appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room and showed Thomas his hands and side. Well yesterday was the 8th day and we read that Gospel passage for Mass. It's amazing to think that the actual place is just a few hundred metres away from my place. But for the rest of you, blessed are you who do not see yet believe!

Yesterday saw one of the worst hamsins we've had. It's the desert wind that blows between Passover and Pentecost (50 days) and is called simply "fifty" or hamsin in arabic/hebrew. It's the wind that precedes Pentecost. We had fine sand all over our mouths and noses and hair. Eyes had to be closed most of the time. And the wind was very strong, making things fall off. Here're some photos of the desert sand caught between cracks on our terrace.

Yesterday was also Divine Mercy Sunday. Our Faustina nuns (They live in a building behind our monastery and take charge of our kitchen and chapels) celebrated it in a grand way at the co-Cathedral with the Patriarch presiding. Sadly it was also a remembrance Mass for their president and those who died in the plane crash. I'll put up the video of the Mass once it's ready. The Patriarch in his homily spoke of God's infinite Mercy to all; He's all forgiving and all merciful. And the greatest sign of that is here in Jerusalem where He sent His only Son to die for us as an act of mercy. There is no sin so serious that God cannot forgive.