Galilee

wildflowers everywhere

It's easy to understand why Jesus spent so much of his short ministry in Galilee. At this time of year, the wildflowers are blooming. Gentle green rolling slopes meet blue skies. We couldn't have asked for better weather today to explore the topography of this special place.

Class members in the synagogue

Our first stop was at Jesus' University, otherwise known as the Mount of the Beatitudes (read Matthew chapters 5-7). There is a beautiful small RC chapel there, built upon the ruins of a Byzantine church that dates back to the 4th century. We reflected upon what it means to be blessed if you are poor in spirit. Next it was on to Tabgha, aka Jesus' Cafeteria, to the Church of the Multiplication. We were reminded that it is important to feed a person before teaching them (or sharing the gospel, for that matter).

Then it was on to Jesus' Cathedral, a small cave which is situated near these other sites that looks out on the Sea of Galilee. We climbed the rocky cliff and made our way to the nook and surveyed the surrounding land, imagining what Jesus and the disciples might have seen. This particular place is off the beaten path and not an "official" holy site, but our instructor knew about it and wanted us to enter the imaginative moment. Capernaum, Jesus' Hospital, was our next stop. It is located in a part of Galilee that borders others countries, and it is believed that since the lepers, sick and blind folks were generally run out to live in the borderlands that is why Jesus is said to have accomplished so many healings here. To read the stories, go to Matthew 8-9, Luke 7 and John 6:55-59.

2,000 year old fishing boat

We stopped at a kibbutz in Ginosaur that has a great find - a first century fishing boat. Then, to end our day we took a walk together on the Wadi Haman, a valley route which it is believed Jesus and the disciples took on their way from Galilee to Jerusalem. We "considered the flowers of the fields"(Luke 12:22-34) and thought about what it means in our lives to have deep trust in God.

Our overnight for Saturday and Sunday evening were at the Pilgerhaus, a German Benedictine guest house. It was lovely there.