The eyes of Andrea Boceli appear to see so much more than those of James Martin, SJ!

• Though Jesuit Father James Martin's book on the Holy Land (Jesus: A Pilgrimage, 2016) has an Imprimi Potest, it includes (in my opinion) some excessive speculation and some snarky comments: "Then I saw the Jordan River. It was neon green, more like Mountain Dew than water. 'I told you it was gross,' said [fellow Jesuit priest] George" (p.98).

• "Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli made a pilgrimage to the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism Monday, praying for peace as he stood on the edge of the River Jordan.  Bocelli, 58, who is blind, was guided by a priest who scooped up river water and poured it over the singer’s hands. The artist, a Roman Catholic, made a sign of the cross and the priest recited the Ave Maria (Hail Mary) prayer.  The spot represents the 'roots of my faith,' Bocelli told The Associated Press. 'For this reason, it is a very special place. I am very happy to be here. I prayed for peace in the world'"  (Washington Post, 9/18/17)

At the site of Jesus' Baptism, the Jordan River appears to be not much wider than the Delaware Canal!  It also serves as an international boundary.  While Boceli visited from the Jordanian side, this blogger visited from the opposite banks on March 13th of this past year.

 

Incredible online material about the Holy Land is available from the Franciscans (www.custodia.org).