Tuesday, February 10th

The weather reports this morning called for rain and cold near Jerusalem, so we altered our itinerary a bit to take advantage of better weather in the south and will spend more time in the Jerusalem area later in the week.

When we left the hotel, we went first to the great fortified city of Masada. Masada is set high on a hill in the dry, desert region of Israel. The wind was incredibly intense and the sand was blowing furiously. Luckily we finished our visit and make back down the mountain before they shut down the cable cars.







Next we traveled to Qumran to visit the ruins of the Essene community there where the DeadSea Scrolls were discovered. The wind had died down by this point and the weather began to warm up.




After eating lunch at Qumran, we journeyed to the Dead Sea. Thankfully, the weather was cooperating and many of us got into the salty waters to "bob" and "float." Others dangling their feet in the water on the shore while some chose to appreciate the view from afar. All seemed to enjoy the respite offered by visiting this site at the lowest point on the face of the earth.




We passed through Jericho and stopped for a bit of shopping and then headed to Bethany where we celebrated Mass at the Church of Lazarus, recalling the friendship of Jesus with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.






Everything continues to go well on this pilgrimage. No major glitches or problems of any kind.

Thanks be God.