They Cast Their Nets

This is our second day on the Sea of Galilee. Those of us from the upper midwest would call it a lake. The morning light on the sea was beautiful and serene. Absolutely stunning to look across this peaceful place.

The Dome of the
Church of the Beatitudes

Following breakfast our bus took us to the Church of the Beatitudes which is really up the hillside from our guest house. There is a little octagonal church there on the Mount where Jesus preached his sermon and left for posterity those priceless sayings. The one that struck me most as that portion of Matthew’s Gospel was read was “Blessed are the merciful.” (Matthew 5-7 records the Sermon on the Mount). 

The Headwaters of the Jordan

Our travels then took us further from the lake to Banias otherwise known as Caesarea Philippi. This village was a center for worship of the Greek god Pan, and several Roman gods. When one is aware of this Jesus’ question to his disciples makes sense. In the midst of these pagan temples he asks “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-27).

It is here that we find the headwaters of the Jordan River. Natural springs begin their journey to the Sea of Galilee and then on to the Dead Sea. It is a phenomenon that these clear spring waters travel all those miles and finish their course so full of minerals that nothing can live in them.

Looking into Syria

We then traveled through the Golan Heights, stopping to look over the border into Syria. There was a mine field on the slope above us and several lookout facilities. One can clearly see the wall dividing the two countries.  We were also able to look toward a mountain in Lebanon during our journey. It is a strange feeling to be so close to armed conflict and yet there was no gunfire heard or fighting witnessed, thank God.

Descending we returned to Tiberias for lunch right along the Sea of Galilee. I enjoyed some excellent fish once again. This time it did not claim the name St. Peter’s fish.

Fishing on the Sea of Galilee

A fishing boat from Jesus’ time was discovered near the restaurant. We traveled a bit further to board our “Jesus Boat” for a ride on the Sea of Galilee.  It was a picture perfect ride on a glassy smooth sea with the sun blessing our travels. During the ride the method of fishing used by Jesus’ disciples was demonstrated. The net was cast on the left side and brought in nothing. The net was cast on the right side (as Jesus instructed his disciples) but, alas, there was nothing caught there!

We sang two hymns: “Jesus Calls Us” (particularly appropriate one line mentions St. Andrew on the Galilean Lake), and “They Cast Their Nets on Galilee.”

Mensa Christi Church

We were able to view our guest house from the lake as well as the church we would visit next. This chapel is called Mensa Christi (the Table of Christ). It is right on the beach and contains within a rock which begins on the beach and continues into the church before the altar. It was upon this rock that Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples after his resurrection and their early morning fishing expedition. It is also where Jesus asked Peter if Peter loved him and commanded Peter to feed Jesus’ sheep. (John 21:15-25). 

The Sea of Galilee at Mensa Christi

Returning to the guest house we will celebrate the Eucharist before dinner this evening. It seems like an appropriate close to Sunday on and near the beautiful Sea of Galilee.