The Desert: Wadi Qelt on the way to Galilee

“And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.” – Mark 1:12-13

Last Sunday we began with a meditation in the desert, Wadi Qelt. The desert—the wilderness—mere minutes outside of Jerusalem, is one of the most beautiful sites I’ve seen. So stunny, so barren, it didn’t look real.

We stood on a cliff overlooking the desert, we didn't venture down into it. But even from our distance, you could gain a sense that when you’re down there you are alone with yourself, your personal demons, your fears. You are vulnerable, not only to the elements, but also God. You can’t hide from anything. What we reflected on is what desert wilderness we are to face on our return from the Holy Land.

As soon as we got off the coach, five or six Bedouin men and children approached to sell jewellery and trinkets. The jewellery really was lovely, but I smartly went with no shekels on me! This said, when it was obvious we were entering prayerful reflection time, they backed away, waiting off to the side from the cliff edge we sat around. They remained quiet, which I thought was both respectful and a smart marketing move!

Picture is of the Rev. Michelle Childs, Diocese of Toronto, with the Bedouin. Note the combat boots!

First camel.

 Bedouin donkey!