We are staying at Gai Beach Hotel in Tiberias, located on the Sea of Galilee. As I am writing these entries after my trip, I can say: the Sea of Galilee is my favorite part of the Holy Land. I think this is in part because it is so easy to imagine Jesus preaching, curing, and working miracles here. The area seems like it is unchanged from the first century. Plus, I love being on the water.
Today we are taking our bus to Mt. Tabor, where the Transfiguration occurred. We will be spending the next few days in the Galilee region.
Galilee is a region in northern Israel where Jesus spent a lot of time. He was born and grew up here, spent much of his three years preaching and curing here. The Sea of Galilee is mentioned 51 times in the Gospels. Galilee was well populated then with many towns around the Sea of Galilee. It was a little more worldly than Judea, the region to the south. Our guide Sam told us that Galilee was on the way to everywhere, while the Judea was on the way to no where. "It's easier to raise a legion of olives in Galilee than a child in Judea," was an expression from the times. Eleven of Jesus's disciples were from Galilee, while only Judas was from Judea.
Tradition says that the Transfiguration happened on Mt. Tabor. "Tradition says" is a phrase we heard frequently in the Holy Land. I translate it to mean: we aren't exactly sure where the event occurred but it was likely somewhere in the vicinity. Mt. Tabor was a good guess for the Transfiguration, as it has been considered a holy mountain for centuries.
The Basilica of the Transfiguration was built in 1924.
The mosaic above the altar is beautiful.
On Mt. Tabor divinity breaks through humanity. The radiance of Jesus recalls Moses going up Mt. Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments. When Moses descends, his face is glowing. Our tour guide Sam pointed out it's telling that Jesus brought three apostles with him: Peter, the Rock, James, the head of the church in Jerusalem, and John, the last apostle to die. Jewish tradition also says that two or three witnesses are needed to validate an event. Jesus needs his friends.
On Mt. Tabor, Jesus's divinity broke through his humanity. I think God's divinity is constantly breaking through to us through creation and our loved ones. But often, like the apostles, we can be asleep.
The plain of Jezreel, seen from Mt. Tabor.
Below, the Sea of Galilee at night.
No comments:
Post a Comment