"Ecce Homo" Group Pilgrimage to Mount Sinai
Some twenty members of the
"Ecce Homo" group in Jerusalem along with friends traveled to Mount Sinai
on March 30-31, 2001. They left with more than 200 pilgrims at 3:00
am, processing with torch lights on foot or by camel up the mountain believed
to be the spot where Moses received God's law. The journey took about two
and one-half hours. After sunrise they celebrated the Eucharist
overlooking the spot where Elijah took refuge from the rage of Queen Jezebel
(1 Kings 19:9-15). This trip
was an unforgettable experience and spiritual highpoint for all.
Pilgrims have made their way
to Mount Sinai since
at least the fourth century to visit the Monastery
at the place believed to be the spot where Moses saw the burning bush.
Above this spot rises the peak of Mount Sinai, known as Jebel Musa
(Mount Moses) to the locals. Moses led the people from Egypt
to Mount Horeb where he ascended the heights to speak with God. There
God revealed himself to Moses and gave the Chosen People a way of life
embodied in the Decalogue. A monastery was built here in the fourth
century to mark the place where Moses saw the burning bush and heard God
speak to him. |
"Ecce Homo" group on top of Mount Sinai - click photo
to see large version
|
