Visual Devotions for Holy Week – Wednesday

The architecture of Jerusalem is very diverse, from modern office buildings to ancient worship spaces.  The structures marking the various Christian sites are beautiful, awe-inspiring spaces.  As you observe these photos of the churches that have been built over the locations of Jesus’ passion and death, think of all the people who have visited these places over the centuries and expressed, in very diverse ways, their devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Readings for Wednesday of Holy Week:  Matthew 25:1-26:16, Mark 13:1-14:11, Luke 22:1-6

The interior ceiling of Dominus Flevit, the “Church Of the Tear,” on the Mount of Olives.

The beautiful façade of the “Church Of All Nations” in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The church is built over the rock where Jesus supposedly prayed.  The olive grove is to the left of the church. 

Rear interior of the Church Of All Nations.

Ceiling inside the Church Of All Nations

Church of St. Peter In Gallicantu, built over the site of Caiaphas’ house.  You can see two of the mosaics that decorate the church’s exterior.  Peter denied Jesus three times in the courtyard of Caiaphas’ house, before the cock crowed.

Weathervane on the Church of St. Peter In Gallicantu (gallicantu means “cockcrow” in Latin)

Ceiling of the sanctuary inside the Church of St. Peter In Gallicantu

Entrance to the Holy Sepulcher Church, built over the most ancient and likely sites of Golgotha and the Tomb.  This side of the church was built by the Crusaders sometime before 1180.  The right doorway was blocked after 1187 as part of Muslim control of the site after the Crusaders were defeated.

The Rotunda dome inside the Holy Sepulcher Church, newly built in 1997 and decorated with a 12-pointed star whose rays symbolize the outreach of the 12 apostles.  Beneath this dome is the Tomb of Christ.

Another beautiful dome of the Holy Sepulcher Church—a broader perspective from the close-up of yesterday.

Prayer for Today:  Great God, you sent your Son into this world so that everyone might be saved through Him.  During this Holy Week, we join with followers of Jesus who, throughout the centuries, have offered their devotion and worship to you in thanksgiving for the gift of your sacrificial death on the cross.  These locations where Christian pilgrims have journeyed for centuries to remember your passion and death give us a special tangible connection to our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the ages.  Thank you for the rich diversity and the timeless reality of your Church–and that we are part of it too.  We pray for your Church today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.