I do not believe that I can find words to adequately describe today! Twenty pastors from all over the USA, from all different denominations, sharing communion seated at the sight of the Sermon on the Mount. Listening to Jesus’ words overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the bread and the cup in the middle of all of us, brought us together in a way that nothing else could do. We are twenty strangers who have become family on the journey of a lifetime. As we shared the bread and the cup, the presence of Christ was very real to me. After we shared hymns in our group, as the sounds of songs in different languages drifted from the other groups worshipping nearby. The Mount of the Beatitudes was very special to me and I found myself not wanting to leave.
On the bus ride today, I was looking out over the countryside and I was struck by the words of Jesus about the seed that falls in the rocky soil. These words came very alive for me. The entire area was filled with huge rocks everywhere, all over the hills, in the valleys and on the side of the roads. This was not an easy area to farm or for that matter to even wander about. But also, the fields are peppered with beautiful purple thistle, perfectly placed by God adding to the incredible beauty everywhere.
We also went to the traditional sight of the Primacy of Peter where we were able to walk down to the Sea of Galilee and wade in. We found tiny shells and rock, perhaps thousands of years old and we could see the fish swimming about. You could almost picture our Lord telling Peter to feed His sheep and tend His lambs.
We had one last trip today to Bethsaida. Andy had been there twenty years ago on an archeological dig. He worked on the house of the fishermen and was able to give us a great explanation of the site and the work that he did while he was there. I was surprised by how large the site was and it was fascinating to be reminded of how important community was in the time of Jesus. We are so caught up in our individual lives in our society today, that we have forgotten how interdependent folks were and reminded us all of the importance of family.
It was a full morning, followed by an afternoon of rest and refreshment. I still cannot believe I am here and I am so grateful for this opportunity.
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