Saturday, April 18, 2009

We began the day today in Nazareth, at the small replica village of Nazareth as it was in the time of Jesus. There we saw first hand the culture, buildings, farm and synagogue of Jesus’ neighbors and family. It was very authentic historically and gave us a good perspective of what Jesus’ childhood home and early years must have looked like. Then on our way to the “Hill of Precipice” (Lk 4:28-30) we saw all the accommodations Nazareth is making for the Pope’s visit in May and the work Israel is doing to assure he has a successful visit. From the jagged and steep Precipice we were able to see the whole Valley Jezreel and relive all the history and Biblical events that have occurred there.

Lunch was another delight today when we ate at the only kibbutz in Israel that raises hogs! Many of us had Pork Chops along with lots of other great food. We then travelled to Sepphoris, a large Roman city just 4 miles from Nazareth, where many believe that Joseph plied his trade as a builder – along with son Jesus when he was old enough - and where he may even have met Mary. Sepphoris was a beautiful city that still has many of the magnificent mosaics created during the Byzantine Era.

The group went to one of the traditional sites of the Annunciation, the Greek Orthodox church at Mary’s Well, where the Holy Spirit is believed to have visited Mary and told her she would be the Mother of Jesus. Unfortunately this is the weekend for Greek Orthodox Easter, so the church was closed and we had to content ourselves with guide Julie’s teaching outside the building without actually seeing the spring that flows through the church, where Mary must have drawn the family water 2000 years ago.

Mount Tabor, the traditional site of Jesus’ transfiguration, has a beautiful monastery and church commemorating the event where we worshipped and got lots of pictures. It’s been an unusual blessing to have Graig and Bruce along teaching us and opening the Word at each of the sites we’ve visited and helping us understand anew the rich heritage we have in Israel and the Jewish people.

Tomorrow is a day off, so we will all worship together by the Sea of Galilee at 9:00 and then have the rest of the day to relax, shop at the public market, or do whatever else we can think of. Monday morning will see us off again to historical and holy sites and more inspirational learning.

~ Clergy Comments ~

It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of this group of pilgrims. They are cooperative, open minded and seeking not only to see the Holy Land sites that are so special to us, but to support one another in this journey – and they are a lot of fun! I was struck today by the experience of being on top of Mount Tabor, the mountain that is probably the place of Jesus’ Transfiguration to Peter, James, and John. Pastor Graig (who was raised on Mount Tabor, Portland!) helped us to remember that the greatest gift that God has for us is not a place – even though the places we have seen are wonderful – but a relationship with his son (“This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him” – Matthew 17:5). In the Holy Land, in Portland/Vancouver, or anywhere God has placed us, let’s “listen to him”.

Thank you for your prayers, blessings - Bruce