"The olive tree does not die." (Pliny the elder, 1st century philosopher)

In the Garden of Gethsemane there are 8 old olive trees whose age is unknown. Some botanists claim they are about 3000 years old. Josephus, the ancient historian, relates Titus cut down all the trees in 70 AD. If these trees survived destruction; then, they are definitely the shoots of those under which Jesus prayed on the night of his agony. If he spent the night there; he had a great view of the ancient Temple. I like the words of Pliny: "the olive tree does not die!" In spite of their age, they can still bear fruit and their wood can be used for creating beautiful art like this work of an artist from Bethlehem. Meditating upon these trees is timeless.        reflection #234