Friday, April 23, 2010

Where we Traveled Today

Underneath a pristine blue sky, in 70 degree weather and sun our group climbed the Cliff of Arbel in Galilee. Around us the wild flowers--a variety of Wedding Veil, purple thistle, and equally amazing butterflies whispered a greeting that was both immediately present and somehow ancient. Surely these native varieties were part of Jesus' walks too!

From the top of the cliff the panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee and it's shoreline was astounding. Across the Sea, the Golan Heights, the mountains of modern Syria, are scarcely altered by modernity. Patches of farm and the homes of Jewish, Muslim and Christian Israeli/Palestinian peoples. Surveying this peaceful scene from the heights, it is difficult to realize the conflicts that disturb below.

From Arbel our group traveled to Capernaum, the ruins of the ancient city and a site unearthed by a Franciscan group. We stood in the synagogue, now built upon by later generations, where Jesus would likely have spent many Sabbaths.

Our group shared communion at the side of the sea, lifting bread and cup into the air that Jesus breathed. We broke, we blessed, we received. We received!

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Reflections:

A reflection on today's experience has been contributed by the Rev. Ron Stone of Selma, AL. He has graciously agreed to help to "fill the pages" and to help you at home to feel as though you are on the journey with us!

From Ron:

The Call of Discipleship Began Here!

We were at Peter's home in Capernaum today. AFter we reflected and prayed in teh Church which stands above where the big fisherman lived, we sat contemplatively near the shore of a remarkable holy body of water: The Sea of Galilee.

Borrowing from a lityurgy Joan MacPherson heard in Iona, she issued theLord's invitation to the sacremtn: "Come, not because you must but because you man!" Those words blew me away.

Sitting there I tried to imagine what things looked like on this very spot where Andrew and Peter were "called." Were they compelled by their call from Jesus or did they have a choice?

Regardless of what we think, this is the very place where discipleship in the name of Jesus began! We--26 pilgrims from 9 different denominations--were here together because we have responded to his call, too! It takes my breath away!

Think about it: Peter's house is here, his boat is here, his call came here, our call brought us here to the very spot where the history the experience of discipleship finds its origin.

Jesus told Simon and Andrew: "Follow me!" They left everything behind to "follow him!" Will I? Will you?

After the sacrament I walked over to the sea becuse I wanted to put my hands in the water. I don't know why. However, it was no easy feat. Teh rocks upon which I stepped were tricky to negotiate; indicatevo of m life. I put my hands in the wake lapping toward me. I prayed: "lord, wash me and make me clean!!" As I did I flet smooth and clean like hte old piece of pottery I leande down to pick up.

Today, Jesus has come close. I hope you feel him , too. He loves you. He loves me. We respond by following him.

Do you feel his love? I pray that you do. I feel his love as I feel his presnece. For me it's one and the same. I can't put it into words. However, I do describe it as "a shimmering moment!"

~Ron Stone