Gold in Galilee

We spent last night in a lovely monastery on a high hill in Nazareth. As I lay in my bed falling asleep, I was very aware that Jesus, Mary and Joseph had laid down in their beds and slept very near to were I was.

The Wedding at Cana

Our first stop this morning was at the village of Cana, which is not far from Nazareth. In fact, when Nathanel says “nothing good can come out of Nazareth,” I can better picture a little small town rivalry going on.

The Wedding at Cana

Cana was where Jesus performed his first miracle in turning the water in to wine at the wedding feast.        

An Ancient Cana Water Jug

This picture is of an ancient water jug found in archeological dig in Cana.

Cana Water Jug, water to wine

  

                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                

Mount of Beatitudes

Following in the steps of Jesus, our next stop was at the Mount of the Beatitudes. From the church built on this hillside, you can see the beautiful Sea of Galilee.

Mount of Beatitudes looking over the Sea of Galilee

We walked from the top of the hill down through a field, just as Jesus did, in this very place. Wow!

He would have picked a grain of wheat from the field, and told a Life story using it. He would have picked up a mustard seed flower, and told another story about the Kingdom of God with it.

Picking wheat from the field on the way to the sea of Galilee

When we reached the bottom of the hill, we saw a cave that would have been “the quiet place” that Jesus would retreat to pray. And then to emerge to talk about the Beatitudes that the people gathered below to hear.

What an amazing experience to trace Jesus’ steps in this way.

Capernaum

Capernaum is not that far from the Mount of the Beatitudes, and it is the town Peter is from. Jesus would have spent a good amount of time in this small fishing village, teaching in the synagogue, healing those who came to him, and staying in Peter’s house.

The foundation of St.Peter's house, and what was later a church

Peter’s house, after the Resurrection of Jesus, would become a place where Christians would gather for celebrating the Lord’s Supper.

As we go through all of these sacred sites, it is also interesting to note that there are other pilgrims from all over the world, of every colour and language and ethnic back ground - all seeking to follow in the steps of their Lord.

I am so thankful for the archeological witness to the life of Jesus and the early church. I am  more thankful for the Living Faith imparted to us by our Living Lord.