Our journey took us north of Israel into the region of Galilee, possibly most well known as the place where Jesus spent the majority of his ministry years. At the centre of the region is the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Kinneret, which is a freshwater lake that lies about 215 metres below sea level. The main town in the area is Tiberias on the western coast of the lake.
Coming from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem with crowded and contested spaces, it felt like an oasis of tranquility when we arrived at Pilgerhaus (pilgrims’ house) of the German Association of the Holy Land in Tabgha, located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It invites pilgrims to ‘stay and relax body and soul’ – something I think we all achieved. As one of my fellow curates put it, “this is where I belong!”
Swimming in the sea at 6am watching the soft glow of the sun’s rays on Tiberius in the distance, is a memory I will cherish. What struck me was the beauty and calmness of the place and the space to reflect on so many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings that took place within this landscape.
Within the service of Eucharist by the sea, we reflected on the gracious loving restoration that Jesus gave to Peter, by the side of this sea where we stood. And when we sang Dear Lord and Father of Mankind these words resonated so powerfully:
O Sabbath rest by Galilee
O calm of hills above
Where Jesus knelt to share with thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted by love!
My prayer is that this rest and restoration that Jesus has given us is carried forward into our lives – within our families, friendships and parishes.
