New Life (to be born again)

On February 4 2015 the Sheep Year arrives which marks the end of the Year of the Horse. This day is not the Chinese New Year Day. It is the day of the Start of Spring in the Chinese Astrology Calendar. The Start of Spring in China is 12:00 noon on February 4 2015 (20:00 February 3 2015 PST) the time when the sun enters the 315th degree on the tropical zodiac. I am given to understand that a baby born on the February 4 2015 is a Sheep baby. A new life…

On February 4th 2015 it would have been 100 days since I left the area called “West Bank” or “Israeli-occupied territories”- one of the most “disputed territories” in the world within which we were attacked our coach stoned and others were killed. I wonder why 100 days are so significant and important in our lives. American President’s first 100 days Canada’s 100 days Napoleon’s 100 days Griefing Etiquette of 100 days. One hundred days and yet (for many of us) the smell lingers on … smell of pride smell of hate smell of human conflicts smell of fear and the smell of death.

“smell of pride” the “smell of hate” the “smell of human conflicts” the “smell of fear” and the smell of death.

Last 100 days have given me the time to reflect… to reflect on the scent of freshness the scent of love the scent of joy and the scent of peace… and to have hope… hope in the Word made flesh.

The scent of freshness the scent of a new life the scent of love the scent of joy and the scent of peace.

Hope in the Word made flesh

To Nazareth village of Mary and the site of the Annunciation…

On our way to The Church of Annunciation in Nazareth

On February 4th 2015 it would be 100 days since we left East Jerusalem and sailed from Ashdod to Haifa. From there we boarded a coach for our journey to the town of Nazareth and to the region around the Sea of Galilee. We visited the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth- a (minor) Basilica which stands over the cave of the home of the Virgin Mary. The current church is a two-story building constructed in the sixties (completed only in 1969) over the site of earlier churches built in the Byzantine period and during the time of the Crusades.

Outside the church are the cloisters with large mosaics on the walls. The mosaics were donated by various countries or organisations around the world. This church building comprises the oldest part of the existing grotto where the Angel Gabriel appeared before the Virgin Mary. The Grotto of the Annunciation is believed to be the remains of the original childhood home of Mary.

The entrance of The Church of Annunciation

The collections of mosaics donated by various countries or organisations around the world.

The upper part of the Church

The upper part of the church is spectacularly constructed with large mosaics on the walls. Though it was relatively crowded at the time of our visit I was still able to feel the serenity inside. Photographs were taken with reverence. I watched in awe the beautiful stain glass windows and hugh fabulous mosaics on the walls. I was mesmerized. We then descended to visit the grotto where Mary’s house was located. I tried to imagine what would have gone through the mind of young Mary when Gabriel appeared to her with that message which has changed and transformed the lives of so many. This was where the Angel Gabriel revealed to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to a son .

Pilgrims/visitors queuing to view the remain of the home of Mary.

Grotto of the Annunciation believed by many Christians to be the remains of the original childhood home of Mary

The lower church centers on the Grotto where we could see remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches which preceded the current church.

To the region around the Sea of Galilee…

The Mount of Beatitudes

We also had the opportunity to visit the Galilee region where Jesus grew up as a child was later baptised and where he began his Ministry. The three canonical (synoptic) Gospels of Matthew Mark and Luke give account of Jesus’ public ministry in this region particularly in the towns of Nazareth and Capernaum. Galilee is also cited as the place where Jesus performed many public miracles…

Capernaum was built along the edge of the Sea of Galilee and in existence from the 2nd c. B.C. to 7th c. A.D.

Jesus makes his home in Capernaum: Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus teaches in the synagogue: Mark 1:21-28 Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law: Mark 1:29-31 Paying the temple tax: Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus calls Matthew: Matthew 9:9-12 Jesus condemns Capernaum: Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus heals a centurion’s servant: Luke 7:1-10 Jesus cures a paralysed man: Mark 2:1-12 “I am the bread of life”: John 6:22-59

Capernaum synagogue. This partly reconstructed synagogue is believed to have been built on the foundations of the synagogue in which Jesus taught. Erected in the 4th or 5th centuries this impressive structure with ornately carved decorations is the largest synagogue discovered in Israel.

For more info: http://www.capernaum.custodia.org/default.asp?id=5380

Matthew 16: 18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Two miles west of Capernaum is what Josephus the historian referred to as the “well of Capernaum.” Heptapegon (corrupted to “Tabgha”) a popular fishing spot because of its famous “seven springs” is traditionally believed to be the location for several episodes in Jesus’ ministry. It is an area situated on the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.

A distant view of the Sea of Galilee in present time.

It is believed that here Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon Peter and Andrew who were casting their fishing nets. Walking along the shore Jesus also saw two brothers James (James the Greater- the patron saint of Spain of the Camino de Santiago) and John (the author of the Gospel of John the three Epistles and Revelation) who were preparing their nets with their father Zebedee. Jesus called all of these men to follow him…

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

In this region we had the opportunity to visit the Church of Beatitudes located on a small hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The Church is built on the site traditionally believed to be where Jesus delivered The Sermon on the Mount. With the quiet lush gardens overlooking the Sea of Galilee it is an excellent environment for us to contemplate some of the well-known teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5-7).

The Church of the Beatitudes located by the Sea of Galilee near Tabgha and Capernaum in Israel.

Inside of the Church of Beatitudes. Designed by the architect A. Barluzzi this Catholic church on the Mount of Beatitudes is Byzantine in style. Its octagonal shape represents the eight beatitudes.

The Church of multiplication

The interior of the church has a central nave and two aisles. The sanctuary is backed by an apse with transepts on either side. Under the altar is a block of limestone found (during excavation) and is venerated as the stone on which the miraculous meal was laid.

The lush and quiet garden of the Church of Beatitudes

Pilgrims are known to have commemorated this site since at least the 4th century. In her itinerary of the Holy Land a pilgrim Egeria (ca. 381 CE) writes: “… And this is the field where the Lord fed the people with the five loaves and two fishes. In fact the stone on which the Lord placed the bread has now been made into an altar…. Past the walls of this church goes the public highway on which the Apostle Matthew had his place of custom. Near there on a mountain is a cave to which the Savior climbed and spoke the Beatitudes ”

A New Life (to be born again)…

The Jordan River (sometimes referred to as River Jordan) is significant in Judaism Islam and Christianity. Immersion in a natural water source – like a river – was and still is a primary Jewish mitzvah. On this journey to Jerusalem we crossed path with a Jewish lady from Melbourne Australia and dined with her in the Ocean cafe on the Celebrity Silhouette. She enlightened and told us that she had come to Jerusalem to attend her nephew’s Bar Mitzvah and to visit many of the sites holy to her faith. I was given to understand even in the present time the tradition regarding the construction of a mikveh are based on the classical rabbinical literature. According to these rules a mikveh must be connected to water from a spring and thus the water can be supplied by rivers and lakes (which have natural springs as their source). Jewish friends whom I met many years ago had also mentioned that the tradition appeared in the famous Dead Sea Scrolls of Qumran.

Portion of the Temple Scroll which is one of the longest of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

A Muslim by the name of Saba A from Afghanistan who reminded me of those two Muslims who took me to St. Peter’s Cave Church in Antakya ( see: “Steps of Paul” ) has written this review about River Jordan: “As a Muslim, we believe in Jesus Christ and respect him greatly, so when I was in Jordan, I knew that I had to visit Christ’s Baptismal site… Despite not being a Christian myself, I felt this strange spiritual feeling inside during the entire time I was there. This is definitely the place to go to when in Jordan, since it can easily be done in a day from Amman, and is very close to the Dead Sea as well.”

Courtesy of www.keyway.ca

River Jordan holds a special place in Christianity and in the hearts of many Christians. For Christians the River is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. It is also where most modern scholars and archaeologists believe the baptism of Jesus took place corresponding with the directions given in Matthew 3:13-17 Mark 1:9-11 Luke 3:21. Many believe there is enormous theological significance in the baptism of Jesus (though sinless). It affirmed Jesus as the Messiah of whom John spoke. Jesus revealed the human nature of the Son of God. Jesus is the power for good. He provided an example for all to follow. His Baptism displayed a beautiful picture of the Holy Trinity.

The Yardenit Baptismal Site located south of the River’s outlet from the Sea of Galilee

The Yardenit Baptismal Site frequented by Christian pilgrims is a baptism site located along River Jordan in the Galilee region of northern Israel. The site is located south of the river’s outlet from the Sea of Galilee. The actual site where Jesus was baptized is believed to be in Al-Maghtas on the Jordan side of the Jordan River. This Al-Maghtar site is one of the most important recent discoveries in biblical archaeology. Following the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel in 1994 excavations at Al-Maghtas started in 1996 and have already uncovered more than 20 churches caves and baptismal pools dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Although the identification is not absolutely certain archaeology has shown that the area known as Wardi Kharrar has long been believed to be the biblical Bethany-beyond-the -Jordan where John the Baptist lived and Jesus was baptized.

River Jordan today. Mark 1:9-11 ” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Over the centuries and down the ages (for many Christians) this modest river has assumed significant mythical proportions. It was in River Jordan that Jesus came to be baptized and a moment that marked the beginning of his ministry. The baptismal site of Yardenit welcomes over half a million pilgrims/visitors annually who come to experience the spirituality and imbuing power of the waters of River Jordan.

Baptism in River Jordan is being carried out at the Yardenit Baptismal Site located along the Jordan River in the Galilee region of northern Israel.

As I tried to touch my forehead (symbolically) with the water from River Jordan I saw the reflection of myself in the river. I recalled the Greek mythology which I read a long time ago about Narcissus …and wondered at that fleeting moment whether I had really been reborn …

Courtesy to Crosscards.com

Peace be with you

Nicholas

Just a thought: On this my journey I once again touch the water (in renewal). As I look past my own reflection I see a world beyond – a world of peace. There is hope in the Prince of Peace… hope in the Word made flesh.

My Journey continues…Come walk with me…