Chrism Mass

Chrism presented to the Archbishop

Today Chrism Mass was celebrated at the basilica of Gethsemane. This is the first time in centuries that the Chrism Mass was celebrated outside of Holy Week and outside the Holy Sepulchre. A good 50+ priests showed up and that was a good sign ... given that those in Palestine have difficulty in crossing into Israel, and those in Israel are afraid of being infected by the coronavirus because a huge spike in infections around the country. The rite was simple ... we did away with the ancient Crusader rite that the world has long forgotten and abandoned. In a way I miss it ... it's unique, it's so ancient ... those of you who think the Tridentine rite is traditional, you should experience the Crusader rituals who go 400 years earlier than Trent. Anyway the Chrism Mass went well and I followed it on live stream.

Archbishop giving the sermon

My busy summer schedule is cranking up. My thai student is preparing to start intensive english classes next week and wanted to know which books to use and the timetable. He needs practice in speaking and writing so I have to plan lots of activities. The chinese sisters will also have english classes but twice a week. Bible classes will also continue ... from Sydney to Toronto. And I'm planning to study some online courses as well. That'll keep me busy since with the 2nd wave of infections, I'll stay mostly at home.

The idea of annexation is looming over the country. For Israelis it's a celebration .... to retake parts of Palestine into Israel. But for palestinians, it's the lost of their land, displacement and an unclear future especially when they have no leadership from their govt. Foreign countries are adding their voices ... and the tension. I hear rumours that July 3rd will be a start of violence as the annexation starts and the palestinians will revolt. It's bad enough that we're under corona restrictions ... we don't need a war added on.   https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/former-christian-clerics-denounce-annexation-plans-631960