Who Do You Say That I Am?

Banias Springs

The Banias Spring is one of the three springs that feeds the River Jordan, and it is a site of ancient worship of Pan, the Greek God of parties. What is interesting about this place is that it overlooks Ceasaria Philipi, the place of Peter's confession of faith (Matthew 16:13-28). While we were there, a Korean Charismatic church group arrived to perform what looked to us like an exorcism. As our instructor said "never mind them, they are on the way."

We visited a Druze market, and I purchased some goat cheese that I'll never get through customs. Then it was back on the bus to the northernmost tip of the country and it's border with Syria. There are fields with land mines here in the Golan Heights. It's cold too, because it is the highest elevation in the country. Interestingly, taxes are 30% lower here because it is so dangerous to live in the border country.

Mensa Christi

The most sacred moment of my day was celebrating the Eucharist with Bishop Richard at the Mensa Christi, which is a small chapel built upon the rock believed to be the site of the post-resurrection "breakfast on the beach" (John 21).

What do I take with me from what I learned of Jesus'ministry in the Galilee?

- Feed people before you talk to them, hospitality is a crucial part of ministry

- To be a disciple is to accept that the road ahead of you calls for sacrifice, and yet God will provide

- Healing of the body, soul and mind should be freely given to everyone