DAY 10 NAZARETH

This morning we board our coach for a trip to Nazareth. Now a large town, we are dropped off near the suk and walk through the narrow streets to a small synagogue - now a church. Possibly near where Jesus would have come as a youngster. This is a building dating from Crusader tgimes and commemorates Jesus first public declaration about himself.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.  He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,19     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,  and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on hi. He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

 It was not a propitious start as he was thrown out of the synagogue and almost stoned! 

Another short walk brings us to the Basilica of the Annunciation which is a modern impressive building completed in 1969 after the original building collapsed in 1955. But the work of rebuilding enabled extensive archaeological investigations to happen and has enabled easy access to a rock cave which has been venerated since the 3rd century BCE as the home of Mary. 

We can spend a hour or so enjoying the basilica - out in the courtyard are mosaics given by Christian communities from around the world depicted Mary with Jesus. Its bronze doors also contain many scenes from the childhood of Jesus - the flight into Egypt. working with Joseph at the carpenter's bench and so on.

We then board our coach for a short ride to the top of Nazareth when we have marvellous views of the town below, and

lunch is provided for us at a convent.


 After lunch we return to the Sea of Galilee, this time to visit Capernaum, where we first of all come to some archaeological excavations which are covered by a church which hovers over them like some giant spaceship allowing access to the site. ( the photo illustrates just how intrusive the feet of this monstrous building are!)  These are in fact the remains of an ancient fishing community - we know that because fish hooks and other artefact were discovered in these ruins. It was an important centre as a frontier town close to the Syrian border, and this is where Jesus based his ealier ministry. This is where he called Peter James and John to be disciples, so it is an important place to ponder over.  Nearby is the site of  an impressive synagogue - this is later than the time of Jesus but there was a synagogue on this site before this building.

 Then it is time to board our coach for the short hop to  the Mount of Beatitudes where there is a most impressive Italianate church with a lovely collonade with views down to the Lake. There are places here where we can celebrate Holy Communion which we will do before we explore the place.

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This, my friends, is where we reach the end of the journey, with these last views over the Sea of Galilee. There is much more to this place that we could explore, and maybe another time we can do that, but for now it is time to return to our hotel for a last dip in the pool, supper, an early night and a longish journey back to Tel Aviv and the flight home. Thank you for coming on my virtual pilgrimage: I have found fresh joy and hope in revisiting these places, enjoying many memories of the people who shared these journeys, and with whom tears were shed. laughter and faith  enjoyed. For many it has led to an awakening, and that has made the whole business of pilgrimage worthwhile. We can never be sure that ancient historical sites and where things actually happened - as I have said several times, it really does not matter: for those who have gone before have venerated these places with their prayer and they serve for all time as visual aids to our worship and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

God loved the world so much that He gave his only Son Jesus Christ should not perish but have eternal life.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.