This is a photo of an amazing fresco in the Church on Mt Tabor - where we went on Pentecost Sunday. It was the last of four and depicts Christ's resurrection. I'm not really sure why I chose this one for today's reflections but it was a favourite moment on the whole journey... despite the Harrods sale ending!

This is my first day back at work! Its incredible how quickly everything slots back into the old routine! Unpacking all my desk detritus - we have a serious clear desk policy here - felt like normal. The intervening days that transformed my way of looking at all sorts, not least my faith, seemed a million miles away!

I find myself waking early every morning and its not just because we were two hours ahead of the UK when we were in the Holy Land but mostly because my mind is doing somersaults trying to process all the information I 'uploaded'! I had a fascinating conversation with my Mum last night, she visited the Holy Land fifteen years ago and she was saying how it had changed everything for her so that when the lessons were read she saw them in a different light.

I know what she means. My whole perception of the context in which the Bible is set has been re-calibrated but.... I'm not sure I totally believe either is right or wrong, better or worse. It also links with a conversation I had while we were away which went along the lines of - why is Jesus always portrayed as a blue eyed blond haired cherub in nativity scenes, and moved on from there.

I have told this story several times so apologies to those of you who have heard it before but today's revelation links to this. I went to view the Seeing Salvation exhibition at the National Gallery in London in the year 200 three times. I went so often because it was free but mostly because it entranced me. The art depicted Christ in so many ways. It portrayed him as someone from the time, dressed him and his followers in clothes that were contemporary in that age.

Christ and God the Trinity exist at all times, through all times, in all time - so therefore are relevant and real in all cultures and all societies. That reminds me of the fabulous ceramics of Mary at the Church of the Annunciation. Each from different cultures from across the globe and each interpreting Mary in their own style. None were wrong, equally none were 'right' - all were valid.

Gosh this is getting serious! Sorry... but I will continue my thread of thought from today!

I came to the conclusion that, yes, my Mum was correct. the visit to the Holy Land would change how I envisaged the Bible readings in future. However, I also concluded that it didn't make me believe more or confirm my faith more. But that goes back to the doubting Thomas story and Jesus saying "happy are those who haven't seen and yet believe". Similarly its fine to receive scripture and set it in a modern context. It doesn't matter if you imagine all sorts of things about landscape, city streets and population numbers. All that matters is that you believe the truth that underpins the story. That you get the message.

It is, nevertheless, a privilege to set it in the context of the Holy Land.

Returning to the frescos that I am doing a great disservice to. Each of the four had the three heavenly beings as a constant... fair-haired etc, but what fascinated me was the way that they always had feet that didn't touch the ground, that pointed down... I guess that showed they were hovering not standing! What fun!!