As I write this entry today, we are on our way to Jerusalem. Galilee is beautiful and it has been meaningful for me to spend time in the place where Jesus’ ministry began and where the essential principals of what it means to be a disciple “of the way” were forged. Since my last writing we have enjoyed some time for reflection. Thursday was our “day off” and members of our group headed in different directions to visit places of interest and curiosity. Some took a bus to a nearby town for shopping and cultural immersion. Others sought out an archeological site with a massive reconstruction of a city that dates to the Roman era. A few stayed at Tiberius, to read and relax. Trisha, Linda and I rented a car and traveled about 75 kilometers north to the Hula Nature preserve. Here we had an opportunity to explore the wetlands and marshes that comprise one of the most significant stops for birds migrating from Northern Europe to South Africa. Those birds have already passed through (in March) and will not return until November. However, we did have the opportunity to view a number of resident species including the Palestinian sunbird, the Middle Eastern gold finch, pelicans (different from our pelicans on the East Coast) terns, herons, parakeets (more like parrots than our caged birds of the same name), and swallows as well as water buffalo, African catfish and turtles.
We viewed a film in “3 D” many parts of which were from the documentary “Winged Migration”). It was an “experience” as at times we found our seats moving, “wind” in our face, and water sprayed in our faces. It was a restful day that included a lunch at a kibbutz (a sort of commune) and a return to the cliffs of Arbel on the way back to the hotel. Cost of the car for the day 139 NIS; cost of a half a tank of gas 140 NIS! (Gas is about $8 per gallon).
I also want to make mention of Wednesday. We took a boat ride down the Sea of Galilee and it was not hard to imagine Jesus on these waters with the disciples. About midway, we stopped and read the scripture of Jesus coming to the disciples during the night as they “rowed hard against the wind”. It is in this story that Jesus walks on the water (no sign of any stones!) and invites Peter to walk to him on the stormy sea. This was a powerful experience.
At the conclusion of our sailing excursion, we arrived at a museum which contains a fantastic archeological find: A fishing boat, dated to the time of Jesus (1st century). It is hard to fathom Jesus in the boat with eleven others! I have included a picture of both the “modern” fisherman’s boat used currently on the sea, and the reconstructed boat that Peter and Andrew might have owned.
Wednesday afternoon also included a walk to the southern end of Tiberius and a look at ruins of the original city that was constructed here at the time of Jesus (about 22 CE). We could see the main road and the entrance to the city. Several other cities have been built on this site (right after the builders had razed the city that stood here at the time they came!) and their remains are also visible. This includes a bath house built in the Roman era that was utilized by various conquering civilizations for close to 800 years!
What does it mean to be a pilgrim in this place? It is still overwhelming! I am completing today’s entry to the blog as we arrive in Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives we have viewed the Temple Mount. No words would come. This is Holy Ground.
1 comment:
How totally awesome that you are sharing with everyone your journey through the Holy Land and subsequently we become remote participants in the process, a virtual journey of sorts. I am certain that there have been numerous moments when being in the presence of locations where Jesus himself once stood and taught have been overwhelmingly moving. Thanks for allowing us to share in this through your blog and the blogs of others in your group and the images you and others in your group have shared.
Darlene
Post a Comment