We have arrived at the Sea of Galilee, a much calmer body of water than the Mediterranean Sea, pictured above. After a day of record breaking wind gusts, we are glad to have a quiet retreat. Our bungalows, near the water's edge, enable a night of rest and renewal. We were told this morning as we left the Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya, that there had not been such severe winds there for 35 years. No wonder the sea was thought of as a place of chaos by the ancient Hebrews. It felt chaotic, yet such power enhanced our understanding of so many of the Psalmists words that speak of the power of God in nature.
Inspite of the elements, it was a remarkable day of learning, reflection and insight. The Church of The Annunciation, in Nazareth, where we remember the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would bear the child who would become the Christ, is a stunning architectural masterpiece honoring Mary.
It looks much like a lighthouse, a fitting reminder that her son would bring light into a dark world.
On to Scythopolis, a Greco-Roman city just a half hour south of the Sea of Galilee. So pagan was the city that one wonders if perhaps when Jesus told the story of the lost son in Luke 15, he was referring to this city when he spoke of the younger son going to the "far country".
It is good now to be in our bungalows by the Sea. The story is told of a time when Albert Schweitzer was a part of a caravan in Africa. Suddenly the caravan stopped. Schweitzer sent word ahead to ask the reason. Word came to him that the caravan bearers stopped so that their souls could catch up with their bodies. Galilee has a way of doing that.
Blessings,
Mary
