The idea
for this unusual background arose during a visit to Jerusalem. The
remaining part of the supporting wall of the temple ruins is called
the Wailing Wall or West Wall. When Jesus lived this temple was intact
and still in use.
The ruined wall visible today emphasizes the tragic truth of Jesus's
words: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill
the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often have I longed
to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under
her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to
you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say,
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Luke 13, 34 ff
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and
said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would
bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days
will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against
you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash
you to the ground, you and your children within your walls. They
will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognise
the time of God's coming to you.
Luke 19, 42 - 44
Yet beyond all banishment, persecution and holocaust
the place at the
foot of the Wall is not only a place of wailing but also a place
of praise, adoration and of great hope in the coming or returning
Lord.
And with that I am in the middle of Christmas events: Jesus, the Lord,
will be born to us. And all sing praise to God: Zacharias, the angels,
Simeon. And... Also Mary, as she professes her joy in praising God
with her Magnificat:
|