My central memory of this day is, unfortunately, the heat. It was so. very. hot. We're talking 50C. There was a bit of wind at times, but it was hot too. Janelle and I decided that we can now say that we know what it is like to be in a clothes dryer.
It was a good day, of course, full of more interesting and thought-provoking things. We started at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth - the site where (supposedly) the angel told Mary that she was going to have a baby. The building is beautiful - it includes images of Mary and Jesus that have been sent from countries from around the world. So interesting to see all the different interpretations - how we all put Jesus and Mary in our own settings. The Canadian contribution was... not my favourite of the day. But it is unique! So there's that. We had some time for reflection at the Basilica, and it was a lovely setting to sit, walk, consider the things I'd seen over the past week.
We then visited the nearby Synagogue Church. It is said that this is where Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah and then told the gathered congregation that that scripture was being fulfilled there today. And then they wanted to throw him off a cliff. We had a lovely worship service there, though.
Off to the Galilee after that - when the heat really started to kick in. We drove through Cana (of water turning to wine fame), heading to the Church of the Primacy of Peter. We had one of our first glimpses of the Sea of Galilee here - where Jesus recruited disciples, calmed the storm and walked on water. Not quite what I had pictured in my mind... the day we were there, cottagers were out on the jet skis and motor boats. Imagine having a cottage on the Sea of Galilee?!?
We had lunch on the Mount of the Beatitudes, the site of another famous J.C. public speaking engagement. There is a lovely church and a beautiful garden there, looking over the sea. Again, the parallels between Jesus time and today were very evident - thinking of those in the region who mourn, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are peacemakers.
Our final stop in the Galilee was Capernaum. A church there is said to be near the home of Peter, and there were ruins of synagogue that contained stones that would have been there 2000 years ago. When so much has changed since that time, it is interesting to see what is still left. We didn't stay long here (see above note re: heat).
We had a really nice drive back to Jerusalem, part of which was along the sea. Lots of tourists and Israeli flags at beach resorts along the way. Back in Jerusalem's Old City, we had our last debriefing session that evening on the hotel roof - sharing our favourite and not-so-favourite things from the week (in the midst of the Muslim call to prayer and a light show at the nearby Tower of David museum).
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| Mosaics at Basilica |
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| Canada's contribution... I know I'm no photographer, but still... |
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| front of the Basilica. Photo: Sabeel |
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| Worship in the Synagogue Church. Photo: Sabeel |
We had lunch on the Mount of the Beatitudes, the site of another famous J.C. public speaking engagement. There is a lovely church and a beautiful garden there, looking over the sea. Again, the parallels between Jesus time and today were very evident - thinking of those in the region who mourn, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are peacemakers.
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| Church on the Mount of the Beatitudes |
Our final stop in the Galilee was Capernaum. A church there is said to be near the home of Peter, and there were ruins of synagogue that contained stones that would have been there 2000 years ago. When so much has changed since that time, it is interesting to see what is still left. We didn't stay long here (see above note re: heat).
We had a really nice drive back to Jerusalem, part of which was along the sea. Lots of tourists and Israeli flags at beach resorts along the way. Back in Jerusalem's Old City, we had our last debriefing session that evening on the hotel roof - sharing our favourite and not-so-favourite things from the week (in the midst of the Muslim call to prayer and a light show at the nearby Tower of David museum).
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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