For the past three days we have been docked in Haifa, Israel. I had the wonderful opportunity to make two
day-long trips to cities tied to Jesus: the first day to Bethlehem and Jerusalem,
and today to Nazareth, Capharnaum, and Galilee. It has been an eye-opening
experience in more ways than one.
On Monday’s crew tour, our first stop was Bethlehem. We were greeted by Palestinian security upon
driving into the town. I knew there were
a number of pockets of Palestinian governed land in Israel, but was unaware
that Bethlehem was one of them. Our tour
guide, Leah, was not allowed to work in this territory, so a second guide
boarded our bus to show us the way through town. Within Bethlehem, there were people of many
faiths living seemingly peacefully and respectfully with one another. The locals were incredibly kind and willing
to share any knowledge they had with you.
While in Bethlehem, any time I sneezed I was met with a clear and
meaningful “May God bless you”, as opposed to the mumbled “bless you” you might
get if you’re lucky in the western world.
After navigating the old streets, we came to the Church of
the Nativity, a 1700 year old church built over the grotto where Jesus Christ
was born. There are 3 sections within
the Church: the Aramaic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Roman Catholic places of
worship. In the ruins directly below the
Greek Orthodox altar is the place Mary gave birth. Typically is it a 2+ hour wait to get in to
those caves, but the tour guide and guards discreetly allowed me in through the
exit door with two others from the crew.
It was a very emotional experience to visit this location. Below is a picture of the star marking the
birthplace, and us girls sitting in front of where the manger stood:
Leaving Bethlehem, security was even tighter. Palestinian guards armed with machine guns boarded
our bus for a scan before we could be cleared to exit. It is disheartening that people who otherwise
exist so peacefully mere steps away, despite their differences, are so aggressive
and hostile over land that truly doesn’t belong to us as a species at all.
Next up was Jerusalem, where we walked through the Jaffa
Gate down the Trail of Agony on our way to the Church of the Holy Sepulture. Inside are chapels belonging to all
denominations of the Christian faith.
After following the actual steps of the stations of the cross, I came to
the outside of the tomb where Jesus was buried and rose again. The line was long and there was no sneaking
in this time, but I got close:
Leaving the church we passed through the Jewish Quarter to
the Western Wall, before heading back to the ship:
Today’s journey began with circular drive around the Sea of
Galilee and a stop at the Jordan River Baptismal Site. Our visit was quite moving. First of all, the river and the scenery are
breathtakingly beautiful. You are able
to walk right into the river if you wish.
There were also many groups from around the world who were there to be baptized
for the first time in the same waters Jesus was baptized in. Despite the language barriers, the feelings
of joy and serenity at this symbolic place were palpable and brought everyone
together:
Next we drove to the top of the Mount of Beatitudes. A church now stands there where Jesus once
blessed the masses with a stunning view overlooking the Sea of Galilee:
Next we headed to Tabgha, the place where Jesus turned 5
loaves of bread and 2 fish into food for thousands. You can see the rock on which this miracle
was performed peeking out from below the altar in this church:
Afterwards, it was on to Capharnaum, where Jesus spent his
earlier years. Saint Peter’s house can
be seen underneath the raised modern church.
The house is just outside the old synagogue, where is it said Jesus gave
shared of his first teachings:
Finally, after lunch we came to Nazareth. The Basilica of the Annunciation is a
beautiful two-story church. Below, an
altar is placed in the grotto where Mary was visited by the angel and told she
was to give birth to Jesus. Above, a
grand worship space with wonderful mosaic depictions of Mary from every
country:
Just a few steps away is the modern St. Joseph’s Church,
built above where Joseph’s carpentry shop once stood:
Overall, it has been a very spiritual few days. This time for prayer and reflection is just
what I needed as this contract comes to a close. I am thankful for the opportunities to
perform, for all my unique experiences abroad, and for the loving arms that
will welcome me home in just 5 days!
God bless,
Marie
