Sea of Galilee

Ah, finally, we are off to the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus lived and did much of his ministry. Because of a concert to be held in the church in Tabgha (Heptapegon), Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, we headed there first to make certain we could visit. This is the site of the miraculous feeding of the 4,000. The chorus, soloists, and orchestra were rehearsing during the visit. It made us feel very privileged. The mosaics depict the flora and fauna of the area and at the entrance of the church is a small pool that contains seven fish. It was originally called Heptagon to indicate the seven streams. It hearkens back to the seven days of creation. Just north of the sea is Bethsaida, which was the home of the fisherman.

We then traveled to the Mount of the Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was spoken and we had mass overlooking on the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Because of the valley and the rocks, the acoustics are tremendously clear. The area around Tiberias contains 60,000 people now and was an important commercial center. It is an amazing sensory experience to imagine the crowds gathered to hear Jesus and it is equally amazing to understand the radical way of life to which he called people.

We then took an hour's boat ride in the Sea of Galilee. We saw the method of net fishing and we experienced the depth and breadth of the Sea. There is a wind tunnel to the southern side of the sea where winds whip up in a tempest and this is where Jesus may have calmed the storm that threatened the safety of the ship. Seven springs feed the Sea at the northern end and it forms the Jordan River to the south.

We then ate lunch at St. Peter's restaurant where we many had St. Peter's fish, which is a tilapia. It is served whole and is char-grilled. It was quite tasty. So was the shish-kebab.

We then toured the Church of the Primacy of Peter and saw the rock upon which the church was built. The site commemorates John 21 as well where Jesus and Peter spoke at the seashore.

Next we travelled to Capernaum, the town of Jesus, which was cursed and lay vacant. Capernaum is named because it is the far village that marks the boundary between the regions of Kings Herod Antipas and King Herod Phillipi. Capernaum is where Jesus taught in the synagogue. A fourth century synagogue stands on the spot where the first century synagogue once stood. It is also the site of the curing of the man with the withered hand and other miracles. Matthew, the tax collector, was called to be a disciple from this area because this route was an important north-south route for the Roman Empire. A new church is now built on the site of Peter's Mother-in-law's house because she was healed of her fever and then tended to the needs of Jesus and his friends.

We returned to the hotel for a tasty dinner and then shared graces of the pilgrimage over glasses of wine. I will certainly cherish the many memories of this trip. Now, we are ready to return home.

To see photos of the area around the Sea of Galilee, click on the link below:

1. Tabgha

2. The Mount of Beatitudes

            

3. The Sea of Galilee

4. The Primacy of Peter

5. Capernaum

6. Yummy Sweets