I
arose early to have breakfast and then set out for the Temple Mount. I went straight to
the Dome of the Rock. I walked around with
perturbations counter clockwise three times starting at the south door. I thought, prayed,
and looked at the stones in front of my feet and on occasions looked up at the
Dome of the Rock. There are a number of
stones that have holes in them, which appears to be intentional. After completing
three revolutions, I reversed directions and then moved closer to the wall of
the structure as possible. As before I went
around three times but there were perturbations because of the octagon structure
under the Dome. I again pondered,
prayed, and looked more closely at the art work on the outer surface. I took pictures and
made a few interesting discoveries. First, although
Israelis/Jews and Christians are not allowed into the Dome, there is a way
for the birds to enter into the structure. Secondly, I noticed
that there are some wonders in the art work that include trees near the north
and south entrances, which to my joy made me think of the tree of life. There is also
symbolism of the Star of David, which whether or not was the intention the
artist, gradually became clear for me to see. It was hidden, but if
you look more carefully you can see it. After three
revolutions, I reversed course and moved back to the original distance. I thought, prayed,
and took more pictures. I finished with three
revolutions. During my time
walking, I prayed Come Holy Spirit, Lord Come to My Assistance, and Send Forth
Your Spirit. I also prayed my
morning prayer and petitions. Before I left the
Temple Mount, I sat toward the north side and prayed the Divine Mercy.
I
reflected on my experience on the Temple Mount today. Since the foundation
stone is where Abraham is said to have offered up Isaac, and since Israelis and
Gentiles both have a share in the promises, covenants, blessing, and descendent
of Abraham, they both have some familial relationship Abraham. What about the Dome
of the Rock? Arab Moslems do not
allow non Moslems access to the foundation stone inside the Dome of the Rock. I think it is ironic
that they do not share the space. I saw and heard what
I thought were two English speaking couples, at different times, ask if they
could enter the Dome. Both were refused. One of the guards
said something to one of the couples, you cannot go in there, it is not for
you.
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