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Today we travelled down beside the Dead Sea, 450m below Sea level to Masada, where it was hot and windy. We travelled via cable car up to the top of a huge flat topped mountain to the ancient ruins. Herod who ruled from 37 BCE to 4 BCE, used Masada as a strategic refuge against his enemies and as a winter palace. There are still mosaics and frescoes visible from his palace.
Then later on Masada had a different use. One of the great revolts of Jews against the Romans saw the last of the rebels flee to Masada after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The Romans built camps around the base of Masada over three years consisting of 8000 troops. After building a ramp the Romans broke their siege wall only to discover the 1000+ Jews dead. They had committed suicide rather be taken into slavery with the Romans. A woman and 2 small children had survived by hiding and it is through them that their story is told.
Jesus often went to "the wilderness" or desert to pray. We had our own wilderness experience today by climbing a small hill between Jericho and Jerusalem. From this spot we could view the St George's monastery nestled into the valley below where monks are still living a life of prayer today.
St George Monastery visible down in the valley.
We tried to enter Jericho but the road was unexpectedly closed by armed officers. We also needed to be back in the safety of the hotel by early afternoon as there were road closures and a heated protest going on by the gates of the Old City for the annual Jerusalem Day march.
We celebrated Mass in the Notre Dame Chapel this afternoon where we prayerfully remember Mother's Day. The Mother's present received a blessing and prayer card.
We had a party at dinner tonight - it's Mother's Day and we were also celebrating Tim and Jennifer's birthday.
We enjoyed birthday cake together.
Our day finished with a beautiful view from our hotel roof.
Continuing to pray for you all. Good night from Jerusalem.