Retracing Jesus' steps: From birth to public ministry, from passion to death

How does it feel to be in the exact spot where Jesus Christ was born? To be in the same cave where He stayed and slept for 40 days before He was tempted by the Devil?

For Unang Hirit’s Special Lenten Coverage, Rhea Santos retraced Jesus’ steps from his birth, public ministry, passion until his death.

At the Church of The Nativity in Bethlehem, Rhea was moved to tears as she paid homage to the star that marks the spot where Jesus was born. In the same room is where the infant Jesus was laid in a manger.

Rhea Santos at the Church of Nativity

Fr. Carlos Santos, Superior of St. Peter’s Church-Jaffa, explained why the entrance to the Church of The Nativity is low and narrow. It was to prevent horseback-riding looters from pilfering the Church back in the day.

Over time, it became to be called The Door of Humility as people entering would have to bow down to enter.

Fr. Santos also gave Rhea a tour of The Church of The Visitation in Judea where Jesus’ Mother Mary, then already pregnant with the Savior, visited her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist.

At the Church of the Visitation where Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth

On the walls of the Church are versions of Mary’s Canticle or The Magnificat in different languages including the Filipino version, “Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri... Nagpupuri sa Panginoon... Nagagalak ang Aking Espiritu Sa Aking Tagapagligtas.”

Adorning the Church’s ceiling are frescoes depicting The Visitation and the slaughter of the infants. Underneath the latter is the stone that supposedly covered the entrance to the cave where Elizabeth and the infant John hid from pursuing Roman soldiers.

Rhea Santos also went to the City of Jericho, rode a cable car and hiked to the top of the Mount of Temptation.

Upon reaching the summit, however, Rhea was initially barred from entering the Monastery which was under the Greek Orthodox. After showing their permit, Rhea and her team were finally allowed to enter.

At the Mount of Temptation where Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights

In a rare occasion not afforded to many, Rhea was allowed inside the cave where Jesus fasted for 40 days. Rhea was profuse with gratitude as she touched the walls of the cave and the very rock where the Lord supposedly slept.

Rhea Santos also took a mud bath in the Dead Sea, known for being the lowest spot on earth and its high salinity.

At the Dead Sea

Yet the Dead Sea also possesses unique benefits. Daniel Faiman, a resorts manager in the area, explained that the water and mud have minerals that can do the skin wonders.

Aside from taking a dip in the Dead Sea, Rhea also sailed on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus called his first apostles and performed miracles.

Overall, Rhea found the experience indescribable, visiting the places she just used to read about. It’s one off her bucket list.

Traveling the Sea of Galilee

However, Rhea’s journey through the Holy Land is not yet done. As we enter Holy Week, Rhea and the rest of the Unang Hirit team go back to where it all began — the Old City of Jerusalem to witness how the city commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry leading to his Passion and Death. — LA, GMA News

Catch Unang Hirit live from the Holy Land from Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, 5 a.m. on GMA.