Margie Dellasega wanted me to let everyone know that the mission verse for the day was Mark 3.9. Look it up.
The post today will be a bit different. I am going to post a Top Ten List for the day!
# 10 - A visit to the Church of the Multiplication. It was in this place that Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. We actually saw the rock He put the baskets on...
# 9 - Our guide - I know a bit strange, but this guy (Sam) is pretty darn impressive. He knows the Scriptures and history of Israel and is a treat to listen to each day. I never knew things were so interconnected in this part of the world and perhaps in our world as well...
# 8 - The Mount of the Beatitudes - I have NEVER been in a more peaceful place. I used this place (Yes, the actual place Jesus delivered the Beatitudes!) to reread Matthew Chapters 5-9. You might want to do this now.
# 7 - The Church and Seashore at the Primacy of St. Peter - We each found a rock in the seashore and took a good deal of quiet to relive the story of Jesus asking St. Peter three times if he loved Him. Yes, it happened in this spot. I had a pretty powerful experience of prayer here. The Church was one of the more contemplative places we visited.
# 6 - Standing in the River Jordan - What can I say about this! I will NEVER forget the feeling of the Jordan running over my feet and my realization that JESUS was Baptized in the same river!
# 5 - "She ain't wrapped too tight" homily in Mass today. Father Justin delivered, as usual, a homily that brought down the house. Our group is blessed to have his guidance on this trip.
# 4 - Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee - There were two major highlights of the boat trip (See # 2), but the silence our group was treated to while floating in the middle of the Sea of Galilee was intense. I could feel the wind and hear the waves up against the boat. I am beginning to understand what true peace is about.
# 3 - Sunset on the Sea of Galilee - No words. You just need to come over to Israel and see this for yourself.
# 2 - Brother Angelo Dancing on the boat in the Sea of Galilee - In life, we are occasionally able to see people who are truly filled with the love of God and who are comfortable with who they are. Father Angelo is one of those people. He seemed almost frail most of the trip so far, but the music on the boat changed all of this! He taught me what the Good News is all about. We could all stand to learn from him about who we are living our lives for!
# 1 - Mass in the Church over the house of St. Peter - I received the Eucharist in the house which we are pretty sure Jesus performed miracles. I thought about how the crowds lined up to be healed and how they were not disappointed. I further thought about how we all went up to receive this same Jesus in the Eucharist and were given the same chance for healing. Jesus never disappoints.
PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR TODAY
ALL SIGHTS TO DO WITH ST. PETER - Vivian Branch
THE RIVER JORDAN - Tom/Jeanne VonLehmden, Christy Hodges, Mark Cervi
THE MOUNT OF THE BEATITUDES - William Wilson, Tom Ruffolo, Charlie Sang, My Godchildren
CHURCH OF THE MULTIPLICATION - Jimmy Nelson, Andrew Schmidt, Charlie Sang
I also prayed for all who are reading this blog.
ENJOY THE PICTURES BELOW.
Joe, I haven't been commenting but following your journey with delight. Just know so many are praying for all of you and your families. Keep on blogging and sharing your experiences; the pictures are a perfect way to give your words deeper meaning.
ReplyDeletePeace, Christina Logan
Love the pics! Bring back some holy water! I want some and so does a friend of mine! :) love you mom! Erin
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