Priestly Blessing

This morning immediately after Mass, Matteo and I ran off to the Wailing Wall for the Priestly Blessing - that is the blessing of Aaron the first High Priest. Unfortunately the piazza was already emptying out - it had just finished. What a disappointment. The two Grand Rabbis and lots of govt. people had come for the blessing by the descendents of the Jewish priesthood - those whose surname is "Cohen".

But I knew there would be a 2nd blessing at 9am so I went back, this time with Massimo Luca. The prayer started 5 minutes after 9. It was very emotional, profound and humbling. It was like being transported back 2000 years to the time when the Temple still stood and the high priest would have made the blessing. The Chazzan (cantor) sang each word and all the priests present repeated it. They were covered by their prayer shawls (tallit) with both arms extended in blessing. I remembered all of you and prayed that God's blessing through the ancient tribe of priests would rest on you for the rest of the year. It was a very very beautiful experience.

From there I went out to the supermarket to buy some veggies, then some toiletries before getting home for lunch. I'm eating whole-grain pasta now - which is good for me. I bought them from the supermarket. It's a bit steep, but since I get to eat something wholesome for a meal twice a week, why not? Met my former student Lorenzo in the lovely new shopping mall in front of the Sisters of St Vincent de Paul Convent. The sisters just celebrated 400 years of founding of their congregation by St. Vincent de Paul. I forgot to wish the sisters (whom some of you have been sponsoring - the orphanage on Bethpage) a happy feastday. Anyway Lorenzo looked good and happy - he put on some weight which is a good sign. He was terribly underweight and depressed because of studies but I think he's picked up his confidence now.

After lunch I went out with Jadallah our janitor to look for an indoor aircon unit. Last night the humidity and heatwave was so bad I slept on the open terrace for 4 hours. The dean told me this morning that I have to get the aircon otherwise I'll get sick sleeping outdoors every night. Well just my luck. All sold out - in ALL of Jerusalem!!! That's how hot it is!!! Got home but stopped to buy some tangerines (kalamantin in arabic) to quench my thirst this week.

In the afternoon Benedetto, another student came to see me. We had a nice chat - actually refreshing his memory on some things he learnt last week. He also helped put some semblance of order to my room - I was filing all my notes so researching would be easier.

This morning's reading was very interesting and Fr Lino preached a nice sermon. He reminded us that Dives, the rich man in the Gospel parable, was not in hell because he was rich but because he did not share his riches. Being rich is ok. Sharing is the key to heaven. Sharing expresses love of neighbour. So have you been sharing lately? Sharing your time, talents, an ear, a shoulder to lean on, a hug to comfort, and yes even your money to the poor?