The second full day of our pilgrimage began at the Mount of the Beatitudes, a most peaceful spot on the hills overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Here our Lord preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), beginning with the Beatitudes. We celebrated Mass at a altar located outside the church, as the birds accompanied our prayers with their singing. Following some time to tour the church, the pilgrims made their way to Carparnaum. It is here that the Lord spent most of the time during his three-year ministry. We visited the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves where Christ fed more than five thousand with only two fish and five loaves of bread; a miracle anticipating the Holy Eucharist. One especially notable feature of the modern church are the mosaic floors from the church built during the Byzantine period (6th century). We then proceeded to the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, also along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was here that the Risen Christ appeared for the third time to Peter and the Apostles and where the Lord confirmed Peter’s love for him and the divine charge that he tend the flock of the Lord. Following a delicious lunch – featuring “St. Peter’s fish” – we enjoyed a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, as often did Jesus and his disciples. We read the Gospel stories of how Christ calmed the stormy waters and brought his peace to the fearful Apostles. Our final stop was Mount Tabor. Although the Gospels do not specify this place by name as the site of the Transfiguration of the Lord, tradition has long held that this highest point in the area is where Christ – accompanied by Moses and Elijah – revealed his divine glory to Peter, James and John. We recalled the voice of God the father which these apostles heard saying “This is my beloved Son, listen to him”. The day concluded with dinner at a local restaurant, on the Sea of Galilee, a short walk from our hotel.
Day 2
October 20, 2022
