For the Lord has chosen Zion; the Lord has desired it for his habitation. ~Psalm 132:13
The word “pilgrimage” pairs naturally with “Holy Land.” For thousands of years, pilgrims have traveled to the towns, deserts and lakeshore where Jesus set foot. In generations past they traveled mostly by foot.
Rather than traveling by sandal or picturesque donkey, today’s pilgrims often arrive on a belching tour bus. Is a modern pilgrimage less authentic, or less attractive, than the ancient ones? How does one judge such a thing in this strange land?
“For the Lord has chosen Zion.” Even the name “Holy” Land suggests that this land is different from the ordinary land where you and I live. We travel far, and often at great cost, to visit this place. Yet this Holy Land makes news with its violence and conflict. It is a land of blood brothers.
For me, this land is both attractive and repellent, like the two poles of a magnet.
What does this Holy Land mean to your faith?
Prayer: O God, help me desire Zion as you do.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
The photo is mine, taken out a bus window near Jerusalem in 2005.
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