[Greetings from the Holy Land! Most of this email was written in Galilee on January 5th. I was without an opportunity to send it to you until today, January 10th. Our group has since moved into the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem. I expect another email with more current info will find its way to you soon.]
Realizing the fact that these updates can, unexpectedly and all of a sudden, reach a rather cumbersome length, I will attempt to limit this email considerably. Let’s get right down to the nitty-gritty. What happened this past week? The big news is that our group has moved out of our abode in Bethlehem and begun a one-week trek through Galilee.
The first two days of our journey were spent in Nazareth and its outlying areas. The most impressive site, in my opinion, was the cave that is traditionally held to be the home of the Holy Family. (Important historical note: The sparse population of 1st century Nazareth lived in caves. It can be believed, therefore, that Jesus, Mary, Joseph occupied an underground dwelling throughout their humble lives in Nazareth.) Above the cave is built a wonderful little church dedicated to St. Joseph, which I recommend everyone visit.
After our time in Nazareth, we made our way over to a pilgrim house that is located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. (I don’t want to describe our new digs as a “luxury hotel,” but you should know that we’re very comfortable.) The first day here afforded us the opportunity for a boat ride on the water, and some of the more stouthearted seminarians took a quick dip in the cold drink. It was a blast.
Very near our accommodations is located Capernaum, the heart and hotbed of Jesus’ ministry. He taught, healed, and performed miracles here. The place where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, for example, is but a five-minute walk from my room. All of these intensely New Testament spots are right here, and seeing these holy sites inspires awe and leads to a deeper appreciation of familiar biblical texts.
Everyday our guide leads us to more and more ancient ruins, and Israel has no shortage of ancient ruins. Having seemingly heard the past thirty centuries of Holy Land history, I feel as if I’ve earned a degree in western civilization. It’s interesting to learn about all these places – but it’s enjoyable to relax at night after a long day of touring. Usually cards and beverages find their way into our hands after dinner.
We arrive in Jerusalem on Sunday, January 7th. 3 Paratroopers Road will be our address until we leave the Holy Land in February. The next six weeks are sure to bring more excitement, insight, and joy.
Until the next update, peace in the Middle East,
dave
1/10/07
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