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.

"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 unlock our heart to God's majesty and love.

Take A Trip Home - To the Holy Land

By Carolyn M. Kenney

The trip from Boston to Tel Aviv, Israel is a long one. However, the time I spent in the Holy Land was incredible! As I awoke that first day and looked out over the Sea of Galilee, my heart skipped a beat. I immediately felt a spiritual connection to Jesus growing deep within my soul. Birds sang sweetly in the trees while the sun rose in soft shades of yellow and orange above the low-lying mountains across the Sea of Galilee. I was eager to visit the Holy Land, but never thought I would feel the way I do today about this spiritually rich land.

Everyplace I visited was an enriching and moving experience, from Nazareth to Jerusalem. However, my time in Capernaum was the most fulfilling. During my first visit in 2007, the guide told our group that Jesus had lived for three years in Capernaum and spent much time in the home of Saint Peter's mother-in-law. I eagerly listened to every word the guide spoke and imagined the people of that village who in turn listened to Jesus with rapt attention .

In 2008, I returned to the Holy Land and to Capernaum. Our group participated in mass held in the church directly above Saint Peter's home. In the middle of the church floor, we could look upon the center of the home. Once again, I thought of Jesus sitting there. His Apostles would have been close by absorbing His every word.

At the end of mass, we had some time alone before driving on to our next stop. I walked from the church, down a wide path towards the Sea of Galilee. How many times did Jesus walk this way towards the sea? As His Apostles slept in the early morning hours, did He awaken and wanting to be alone, go to the sea to pray to His Father? I thought of Him sitting there, looking over the still, blue waters. Did He look into the future and see all who would one day walk these same paths, visiting the land He loved? Did He look into the future and see me standing there desiring to be closer to Him?

All too soon, it was time to return to the bus. The time spent throughout the Holy Land only strengthened my faith and deepened my love for God. When I left, I felt as though I was already "home." Whenever I hear a Gospel reading, I visualize that area of Galilee or Jerusalem where it occurred. I am there once again. I am home