It was on this date, September 14, 335 A.D., that the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (or Church of the Resurrection) was completed. In this unusual church in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City, you can visit the site of Jesus' crucifixion and also the site of Jesus' resurrection. Both sites are under the roof of this enormous stone church. The oversight of the building was left to Helena, the mother of the Roman Emporer Constantine, who legalized Christianity circa 313 A.D.
When I visited Jerusalem in 2004 I was amazed by the impact this place had on me. It was more than the history of the building, which of course does not stand in its original form. I think it was the knowledge that millions of pilgrims for about 1700 years have venerated this location as the place of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There were Crusaders' crosses carved in the stone pillars and other evidences of days gone by.
So today we remember again the cross of Jesus:
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
No comments:
Post a Comment