When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. (Mark 16:1) I press my face against the pink, veined marble slab, smeared with a fragrant oil that lingers on my neck and hands. As I push myself from the …
Midnight in Jerusalem (“Peeling Oranges” Series)
Jerusalem: Good Friday, and the first day of Passover. Just before midnight, beneath a full moon and the shadow of the Western Wall, pigeons and crumpled prayers snuggle between cracks in bricks. I sit nearly alone in the women’s section, except for a few Jewish ladies whose covered heads rest against the wall, their eyes …
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Kisses on Palm Sunday (“Peeling Oranges” series)
(My spring break spent in Jerusalem and Galilee provided me with many images that I hope to share through my Peeling Oranges series.) Outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, I sulk in a mix of frustration and guilt, wanting to participate in the centuries-old traditions and services that originated in this city. On Palm …
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Empty plane seats
This post goes along well with my last post “Returning to the river,” in that it expands on the importance of trusting in the divineness of our own imaginations. On each of my three flights to Amman during January, I had an empty seat next to me. This made the plane rides relaxing and enjoyable, …
Returning to the river
Jordan. In Jordan. At the Jordan River. Before visiting Jesus’ Baptism site along the Jordan River this weekend, I had anticipated the moment for years. Every time we’d sing “On Jordan’s Bank” at Mass, I’d think about how powerful the experience might be—going to this holy place from which my name comes. (I learned from …
JORDAN DENARI DUFFNER 