WEEKEND LITURGY

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?

This weekend we remember the story of the Three Kings.  They who sought out Jesus after his birth and traveled to find him.  We don't know how far the kings traveled...we don't even know if they were kings or seers or something else.  Its said that they came from the East.  The desert land of Arabia stood to the east of Israel.  No matter.  They stopped in Jerusalem for directions.  It is pictured that they traveled by camel.  That is likely.  It was the only way to get around in Arabia.  This is not really that big a deal for me.

The normal mode of travel in Israel was by foot.  Few people had a donkey.  Even fewer had a camel.  Horses were for the very rich and the military.  So, the roadways between cities were full of people walking. 

Lets put this into perspective.  I walk 3 or 4 miles at a slow pace three days a week.  If I make it to the gym, I walk about 1 or 2 miles at a fast pace on a treadmill. 

Bethlehem is 5.7 miles from Jerusalem.  Jesus lived in Bethlehem almost two years and made the trip to Jerusalem with his parents several times a year.  Then, the family took off for Egypt.  That trip is about 350 miles.  Yes, I said 350 miles.  Jesus was a baby and had to be carried.  How long would that take? 

Two or three years later, they walked from Egypt all the way to Nazareth.  That's about 400 miles. Jesus was 4 or 5 years old and probably had to walk most of the way. 

While living in Nazareth, Jesus like all Jews had to visit Jerusalem three time a year.  That's about a 200 mile round trip.

Okay, that's enough.  Never think it's too much trouble to go the extra mile for what is right. 
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