By Arlene Cobau

On the road from Jerusalem to Jericho

Today, the 12th day of our Pilgrimage was packed, as all have been, with a variety of sights and experiences- learning and fun.

We started from Bethlehem and went to Bethany, the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus; on to Wadi Qelt and the breathtaking view of the rugged desert; on to Jericho, one of the oldest known walled cities in the world; then to Qumran, home of the Essenes, the breakaway sect who left the Dead Sea Scrolls in the caves where they lived; and we ended at the Dead Sea.

Swimming in the Dead Sea

As our trip reaches its conclusion each person was asked to relate “the experience that had the most effect on you.”  What a difficult question because many moments came to mind. Who we are. How similar and how different our reactions are. Each of us has been profoundly changed by our experiences and each hopes he/she can be a peacemaker.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31) This is the saying we are taught as children – the Golden Rule – Jesus’ rule- the rule we try to live our lives by.  If everyone obeyed this rule there would be peace.

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)