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Reflections from the back of the bus - the magnificence of Ephesus
23rd June, 2009 - Posted by Ursula Stephens -
Ephesus 1,2,3,4
Nothing could have prepared us for the magnificence and significance of Ephesus!
Only now did we begin to understand the anxiety of Archbishop Mark and the guides to get us there!
There is a splendour to the grandeur that are the ruins of Ephesus! The grace and elegance of the ruins give life to the pivotal role that Ephesus played as a trading post and as a centre of scholarly learning.
Its grandeur in size and proportions makes us feel small and insignificant. The technology and innovation that is evident is mind boggling - cantilevered arhes, drains, public toilets(much like present day).
The hospital building where Luke worked, The library - its dimensions can only be imagined - stands as testament to this centre of learning. The massive amphitheatre, capable of holding 25000 people watching performances, or gladiators, or animals- has perfect acoustics .
The avenue leading up to the stadium from the original port is paved - more than 1060m of paving - called the Avenue of Arcadia - we would say a magnificent arcade.
And what are we certain of in this extraordinary place? That St Paul was here too. We have imagined and assumed some features of his life, but, just as we sensed in Corinth, we KNOW he was here - preaching, teaching, healing, listening and learning.
Oh if only we could have spent more time here in this ruins - an acrheological wonderland, a spiritual well- to soak up the nourishment that comes from knowing we are walking in the footsteps of giants!
But no! We’re terribly late, we’ve dawdled too much, so overwhelmed by the extent of this ancient place - where most is still undiscovered!
Its rush rush rush back to the bus, and back to the port with just two minutes to spare before departure time. As we walked up the gangway the were untying the ropes and raising the anchors.
What an amazing day - we saw first hand St Paul’s experience - we walked another 12,000 steps in his footsteps - exhilarating and exhausting.
In my head I’m singing:
Who would true valour see, let him come hither
One here will constant be, come wind and weather;
There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent - to be a pilgrim!
Its our last night aboard - time to repack for another early start. As we sleep we’re travelling back to the port of Piraeus.
Tags: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, footsteps of saint paul, pilgrimage, Sights and Sounds, st paul, Ursula Stephens
Posted on: June 23, 2009
Filed under: Reflections from the Back of the Bus
1 Comment
Denis Matthews
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:32 am
Thank you Ursula for your reactions
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