Walking Along the Road

It was another day of amazing grace walking in the footsteps of St. Paul. Our first stop the ancient city of Ephesus. St. Paul spent three years here, so I was mindful of my steps today. Some were uneven and some may have been a bit off balance, but with each one I continued to lift each of your intentions. The city was an incredible sight, as you can see from the pictures I've included. I made sure to visit the best stops along the way, the Beverly Hills of Ephesus terraced houses up along the hillside, and the library that housed 12, 000 scrolls on heated shelves (I was really missing my students and colleagues at home).

But one of the most deeply moving experiences was my walk toward the sea. I really felt the intercession of St. Paul, and a closeness with the Lord as I contemplated this part of the journey. There was much discussion going on and though I did walk along with everyone, I was stepping deeper and deeper into prayer every inch of the way.

I was reminded even from the begining of our walk along this road today that this was the way to follow the Good Shepherd, from the readings throughout the day, to the shepherd tending his flock along the hillside as we entered the ancient site. One small sheep followed along a bit behind the others, and I heard within me, " I am the Good Shepherd." As this thought entered my mind, I recognized it as invitation from Jesus to follow him, and as I reflected further, I remembered that just before arriving we prayed Morning Prayer together and cried out with Psalm 5:

To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning.

Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God."

I knew with an expectant faith that the Lord was inviting me to come deeper, and to carry you along with each step, whether smooth marble or uneven stones were beneath me, Jesus supported my feet, an assurance and a hope.