Breezy on the Sea of Galilee

What a lovely day we have had today... travelling along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, visiting sites associated with Jesus' mnistry and teaching. We celebrated Communion right beside the seashore - near the church where they remember Jesus feeding the five thousand - rather quaintly called the Church of the Multiplication

Beginning the day by exploring the site of the City of Capernaum - we have spent the day close to Jesus. On this site one can see what are held to be, with good reason, the remains of the Synagogue in which Jesus worshipped, prayed and taught. It is a popular place for Pilgrims and we were soon joined by many others. The verse that has been a theme of the week is Matthew 28: 19: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. e

 Capernaum is a really interesting place. As well as the Synagogue there are ruins of the town - really comprehensive ones, one of which is Peter's House - where Jesus healed Peter's Mother-in-Law. This house was enlarged over the years as the early believers in Jesus grew in number. A rather hideous Church has been built over the top of the house, to save it from being destroyed by the vast numbers of Pilgrims who visit. I am not sure that this justifies a Church that looks like a spaceship, but who am I to comment? After all, I am only a visitor to this land! e

Following our time at Capernaum, we went on to Tabgha, where we celebrated Holy Communion - overlooking the Sea. This is such a lovely site, peaceful and gentle, with the sound of the wind gently blowing the leaves on the trees and the water to lap the shore. Here we thought of the places we have visited over the last week that mark the birth and death of Jesus, as well many important places associated with his ministry. We sang the lovely song, I the Lord of Sea and Sky. How moving it was to be singing this, thinking of those at home in the UK who are thinking of us, praying for us, and keeping tabs on us through this blog. It feels as though we have been away for far longer than a week and a few days - somehow the time has drifted and we have lost ourselves in this land. God has been good and we have been richly blessed.e

 So after Tabgha, on to Mensa Christi, the place where Jesus gave Peter the chance to say three times that he oved him, perhaps to make up for the three times that he had denied him. So many people think this to be the reason that Jesus asked the question three times, and I guess hope it to be so - for in doing this, in giving Peter this chance, Jesus allowed Peter a future and a hope. This place is a place filled with the Spirit - and with the prayers of the countless thousands of Pilgrims through the centuries. As we stood and looked out into the distant horizon over the water - with some of us paddling too! - our prayers rose with those of the people who had come before - and with those who will come after. e

And so to lunch - where the mad folk who are not vegetarian (everyone except me!) were treated to the delight of eating a St Peter's Fish. My but they are such ugly looking critters - and you can even see their teeth. I had some sort of sweetcorn veggie burger - so much more pleasant! One of the loveliest treats of the visit has been the fresh dates after each meal. They are much nicer than the dried ones we suffer at home.e

We had time to spend in the Church of the Beatitudes. Another lovely Church designed by the gifted Berlucchi.   Standing gently at the top of the hill, one has time to meander through the grounds (and the shop!) pondering the meaning of the the words of Jesus. I guess we all hope that if ever we are in the situations of which Jesus speaks in the Beatitudes, we will also be in receipt of the solace that is offered. e

Then off to sail in a Jesus boat. A replica of one found many years ago in the Sea and believed to be like the ships that the disciples would have sailed and fished from. It was jolly breezy - which aided our imagination as we heard the accout of the Storm that Jesus calmed, as well as him walking on the water, and Peter doing likewise - only to fall prey to fear... e

We are so lucky to be here - such riches and joys to be found and experienced. Thanks be to God. Amen. e