On Moab’s mountain - Mount Nebo - overlooking the Dead Sea and Jordan valley, where Moses died (Deut 3:27, 34: 1, 5) there is a cross, designed by the Franciscans, which is simply stunning. Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho and view Canaan the land I am giving.’ (Deut 32:49) This is where Moses saw a glimpse of the Promised Land before he died (Deut 34:10)This memorial of Moses is part of the monastic work of the Terra Sancta. The Franciscans acquired the ancient site in 1930s and other than an interruption during WW2, continued work on the monument until the 1960s, when it took its current form as a site of tourism and pilgrimage. Much is made of the Popes visit in 2000. Postcards are readily available.
But even in the 5th century Peter the Iberian reports:
But even in the 5th century Peter the Iberian reports:
‘All the inhabitants of that region together hurriedly brought building materials; this temple was built in the name of the great Prophet and Lawgiver, and he proclaims publicly to every man and so that no doubt is possible his goodness and power by means of signs and wonders and cures, which since that time have occurred at this place without interruption. For it is a place of cure both for the souls and for the bodies, and a place of refuge for all those who come here from all places and are afflicted in soul and affected with many kinds of sufferings of the body’ (Michele Piccirillo Custodia Terra Sancta Jerusalem)The 6th/7th century Basilica is peaceful and cool with impressive mosaics and chapel. Malcolm and Veronica’s congregation have their Easter Sunrise service and breakfast in the chapel and grounds. A magnificent setting to celebrate the Risen One.
But it is the Cross made by Italian artist Giano Paolo Fantoni that drew me. Representing both Moses’ snake (Num 21 8-9) and the crucified Christ. Beneath is written in Arabic the text of John 3:14. I asked a lady to read it for me
It is an impressive symbol, stunning, overt, not subtle. Not what I have come to expect in this region. I was left wondering how we can lift Jesus higher, so that people are drawn to him - ‘But I when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto myself’ (Jan 12: 32) Is this just talking of the cross, which is such an anathema to the majority population in this region of the Middle East. Or are there other ways of lifting Jesus higher, even in this difficult context. Maybe this Franciscan cross is the clue and that healing, signs and wonders is the key. Plus dedicated Franciscan service.
‘Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert so the son of man must be lifted up’It is in a prominent position. People stand and look over the plane below. One old man in mourning black, searches through binoculars for reminders of the past – maybe even looking for his home, now in occupied territories. And a young woman in jeans stands with hands held open in supplication. Mouthing prayers of intercession.
It is an impressive symbol, stunning, overt, not subtle. Not what I have come to expect in this region. I was left wondering how we can lift Jesus higher, so that people are drawn to him - ‘But I when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto myself’ (Jan 12: 32) Is this just talking of the cross, which is such an anathema to the majority population in this region of the Middle East. Or are there other ways of lifting Jesus higher, even in this difficult context. Maybe this Franciscan cross is the clue and that healing, signs and wonders is the key. Plus dedicated Franciscan service.
As we were leaving we looked again at the cenotaph, a huge Monument of Stone, reminded us: ‘God is Love’ in Arabic. Here in the Bible Lands ‘even the stones cry out’.
From your own correspondent
September 2004
September 2004
