Week before Lent

Family of 3 generations walking home
after prayers at the Wailing Wall

The weather is warm today ... again over 15 degrees and very sunny. Everything looked fine until you see the heavy police presence in and around the Old City. Tensions have not ceased. Thought the muslims have claimed victory by storming and reopening the Gate of Mercy inside the Temple Mount, Israeli security seem determined to re-enter and close it again. Warnings of further escalation in violence have been sounded from both sides.

Holy Sepulcher
under renovation
for Easter

It's a week before Lent. We're preparing to burn last year's palms to make ashes for Ash Wednesday. Another cycle of liturgical celebrations climaxing on Easter Sunday. Our students are busy trying to finish their written papers before Holy Week because the liturgical services are so many and so rigorous , they will have no time to study. Every Saturday midnight for example they will need to go for the midnight service at the Holy Sepulcher. Saturday afternoons will see solemn processions around the Holy Sepulcher and Fridays will be packed with Way of the Cross. The students' timetables will be full and studies will be at a minimal. So now is the time to finish their assignments. Almost immediately after Easter is the final exams.

I am still sick with fever and pain. We'll see what the hospital says at my next appointment. Thanks for the prayers. Next operation on March 12.