Ritzy Nuns and Walking the Walk

While visiting the areas of Jesus' main ministry in Galilee we were blessed to stay at the Convent of the Basilica on the Mt of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."). Convent might make you think of something from Sister Act, but these Franciscans Sisters are blessed with some pretty outstanding tithes because it felt like the Ritz!  Rose gardens, delicious food, breathtaking views and killer WiFi speed made this an amazing experience.
Our first order though, was to get off the beaten path and walk the path Jesus had walked before us.  For it is in the hills by the Sea of Galilee that Jesus found His apostles, taught the multitudes and fed thousands.  Thus, as we walked down the hills towards the refreshment of the water we contemplated the humanity of Christ.  Was He annoyed by the bugs?  Was He excited to relax and wash off in waterfalls by the seaside with His brothers?  Did He worry about tripping and spraining His ankle?  I like to believe it is precisely these very things that makes Jesus so compassionate.  He knows exactly what frustrates and excites us, because He experienced those in the Flesh.

Having refreshed our Spirits by following the Lord's path we refreshed our bodies by taking a dip in the waters of Galilee.  In JJ's words, "We have 11 new Sea of Galilee Polar Bear Club members!" Personally, I didn't think it was that cold, but as I am constantly reminded, it's not really about me!
After spiritual refreshment we needed spiritual nourishment and we were blessed to receive the Eucharist at a place the Apostles experienced a similar Eucharist.  The Primacy of Peter is a church built around the rock where Jesus prepared a meal for His Apostles after His resurrection (John 21:12 "None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.").  While the church itself is understated and overcrowded with tourists/pilgrims, the rocks by the water is where I felt the Spirit.  The Primacy is named so for the Catholics' recognition of Peter as the first Pope, for it was here that Peter's love for the Risen Lord is illustrated with such clarity.
To feel even closer to the apostles, who were fishermen, we went out onto the sea.  Here we heard the Gospel of the Lord and saw a view the disciples they saw many times - the beautiful golden and green hills of their homeland.  Then to add to that feeling we visited the fishing boat that was excavated from the sea dated to the 1st century.  

Then it was back to the convent to enjoy the peace and conversation with one another.  A focus of conversation was the understanding of Christ.  How do you understand Christ?  He knows your faults and is the ultimate example of understanding, so in that Light of Compassion, what would you want to admit to Him?








(Thanks to my reader who suggested I focus on being concise! I hope this was a better size chunk to swallow!)