A Day in the Paths of Jesus' Walk to Justice

Well today was a bit of break from the intense visits in the besieged cities, with their checkpoints, walls, fences, and oppressed peoples. We traveled down from the ridge of the City of Nazareth to the base where we walked around the Basilica of the Annunciation where Mary was believed to have received the call from God. Whether you believe this is the actual place or not, is your choice. I feel content that this is a special place and the miracle could have occured here. As I have with every sacred space we have visited, I have felt compelled to pull out my harp and play some hymn or song that comes to mind, be that "Michael Row your boat ashore"or "Here I am Lord". Today, I stumbled across two violinists standing near the chapel of Tabgha. I pulled out my harp, and looked for places where I could harmonize with them. It was delightful - at least for a few moments. In any case the accoustics in these chapels and churches is special and I find God more in those moments than in others along our tour.

We traveled to Tiberius also, where Jesus is to have preached in the synagogue and visited the remains of the home of Peter. We also went to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Here we read the scripture together where Walt gave a short explication, and we traded interpretations as we faced the Sea of Galilee on the most beautiful day since we arrived. Later we went to Tabgha where he is believed to have fed the hungry with loaves and fishes. By then it was lunch time and we nearby for some fish from the sea and fresh vegetables and fruit from nearby fields at a seaside restaurant by the Galilee. What a beautiful body of water, nestled between the mountains and hills. We all of course, took the opportunity to dip our feet in the Sea, and generally laughed and enjoyed the day. The group has worked well together, and after a night where we had walked a half mile because the "flying" Israeli checkpoint prevented us from reaching an Israeli bus that we were exchanging for our Palestinian one, this was a pleasant break for the soul. (I forgot to mentioned that we were further delayed at the Israeli check point by young soldiers who held us up for nearly an hour while they searched our records, even though we had full permissions for what we were doing. It was yet another experience of humiliation and frustration that many Palestinians endure each day.)

In the afternoon, we drove to Golan Heights where we climbed high, upwards to Mt. Hermon (at nearly nine thousand feet) in occupied SYRIA, where stopped off in a Caesaria Phillipi where the worshippers of the pagan temple, constructed by the Emperor, paid homage to Pan. It is a beautiful place, hewn out of the side of the mountain, and surrounded by pristine mountain streams, still cold from the snow melt above.

Lastly, we arrived small Syrian village high in the Occupied territory there. The villagers are Druizs who have lived there as the occupied since the 1967 war. The director of a self help project there, that is transforming the way people receive health care, educate their youth and respond to the uprooting of olive trees, in a very creative way that has both Syrian and Israeli support. It was an inspiring moment to hear his story, and know of the difference his organization is making for the people in his village. I wonder if he would be as sucessful as those on the west bank who are surrounded by the Wall? Anyway, it is possible to resist the occupation in a non-violent way. I continue to be amazed and encouraged by those who stay the course.

Tomorrow, we had to Jordan for a visit with refugees from Iraq, and visit the ancient Roman site of Jerush. Should be quite a day. I will be returning to Bethlehem on Saturday to begin my visit with potential partners for our church community. I will also head down to the village of Nehalin to plant some olive trees at Daher's orchard before heading home myself.

Again, it is nearly twelve at night and after a long, but satisfying day. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Peace, Bill