"For many reasons we should love."  These were some of the first words the guide spoke to a group of thirty-five men and women as they began an inspiring trip to the Holy Land.  They would come to learn more about the people of this land which is so rich in political and religious history and so breathtaking in it beauty.  Over 2000 years ago, Jesus walked this land.  As He stood upon the shores of the Sea of Galilee, did He look into the future and see those who would one day visit the land where He lived?  Did He see those who would one day breathe its invigorating air, delight in its simple beauty and cherish His Presence which is still felt here today?

The Holy Land is steeped in religious history not only of the Christian faith, but also of Jewish and Muslim faith as well.  It should be a land of harmony, where all people can worship their God as they choose.  It is a land for everyone.  Whenever pilgrims travel in the Holy Land, they feel the presence of Jesus fill their spirits.

One of the most compelling sights is the sun rising on the Sea of Galilee in the morning light.  The theologian, Dietrich von Hildebrand once said, "To whom will the sublime beauty of a sunset or a Ninth Symphony of Beethoven reveal itself, but to him who approaches it reverently and unlocks his heart to it?"  Let us u

In the gospel of Matthew, Chapter 3, we read of John the Baptist proclaiming the kingdom of God to crowds of people.  They could not resist his commanding voice.  People came from all over Judea and Jerusalem to be baptized by John in the Jordan River.  John was a tall and strong man, having fed on such things as locusts and wild honey most of his life.  His voice was strong and very commanding at times, but he could be gentle and caring as well.  People came daily to him for baptism.  He told each one, "I am baptizing you with water...but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.  I am not worthy to carry his sandals.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." 

John was a few months older than his cousin Jesus.  But, whenever their parents would get together for a visit, Jesus had been the dominant figure.  John would love to listen to his cousin tell parables.  Even at a young age, Jesus taught John many things about life and about His Father.  John would sit in rapt attention for hours, questioning little and listening intensely.

As John was baptizing one clear day, he saw Jesus walking towards him.  Jesus asked also for baptism as the others before Him had done.  John was baffled and said to his cousin, "I need to be baptized by you..."  Jesus told John that it should be done this way to fulfill the prophecies.  As John baptized his cousin, his Messiah, Jesus arose from the water and a voice from the heavens proclaimed, "This is my be

I have been to the Holy Land twice and am looking forward to a return trip sometime in the future - the near future, I hope.  I love the Sea of Galilee and the whole area surrounding it.  I feel as though I am HOME when there.  I feel that the Presence of Jesus is still felt in the Holy Land today. 

The village of Capernaum is captivating!  The home of Peter's mother-in-law can still be seen today.  There is a church built above the home, where our group was blessed to celebrate mass in 2008.  From that point, you can walk a few hundred yards to the Sea of Galilee.  How many times did Jesus walk that same path? 

In the near future, I will post something I wrote upon my return from my first trip to this sacred land.