Jesus' BFF- Peter!

Today was all about Jesus' best friend, Peter, and the ministry of Jesus. It was an amazing day! Most of the pilgrims share this feeling, and yet we can't pinpoint exactly why. Perhaps it's because we all relate to Peter. He was so real, so human, so authentic. I think most of us can identify with him in his desire to follow Jesus, his moments of denying Jesus, and his drive to build the kingdom here on Earth. Or perhaps it was the focus on Jesus' ministry, and as teachers we can all relate to this. Or maybe it was the focus on the Eucharist and how Jesus meets each of us in the breaking of the bread, just as he did with his disciples after the Resurrection. Regardless, it was a day filled with an abundance of grace! 

Our day began with a visit to Capernum. This town is located just a few miles away from Tiberius where we are staying. Here, we were able to see the ruins of the Synagogue and Simon Peter's house. It was in this place that Jesus gave the promise of the Eucharist. We reflected on how of all of Jesus' miracles, the most miraculous was Jesus making himself known to us in the breaking of bread. When we met Jesus in the Eucharist, we need to leave our whole heart there. He desires to pour himself and his love upon us, if we invite him to. After an amazing talk by our guide, we went into the church, located directly above the ruins of Simon Peter's house. We had Mass here, and I had the opportunity to lector. What a blessing! I love proclaiming God's word, and it made it so special to do so in this holy place. Fr Thomas reminded us in the homily that God's time (kairos) is not our time. Therefore, each time we celebrate Mass together, reading the word and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, we are truly present right when that was happening. 

Simon Peter's house ruins! 

Ruins of the synagogue across from Simon Peter's house! 

Lectoring at Mass at the church of St Peter! 

Statue of St Peter in front of Sea of Galilee! 

After Capernum, we headed to the location where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. We reflected on how life in Christ is never lacking. He always has abundance for us, as He did by making the loaves and fish abundant, and he always has more to pour upon us, if we remain open to Him and His workings in our lives. 

John teaching at the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes! 

After a few minutes of silent prayer, we traveled by bus to the seashore of the Sea of Galilee. We rode a boat in the Sea of Galilee and were able to observe all of the sites we have visited over the past few days from a different perspective. We were treated to a demonstration of how the fishermen of Jesus' time casted their nets over the side. We also learned that in this freshwater Sea, there are nine species of fish. We reflected on putting out into the deep. Where is Jesus asking me to put out into the deep and give more? Definitely something to reflect on...

A view of the boat we were on! 

St Margaret girls on the boat! 

Demonstration of casting nets into the deep! 

This was what the boats looked like in Jesus' time! 

After lunch, our final stop of the day was to the Primacy of Peter. It was here that Jesus called Peter and Andrew to come into the shore, after His resurrection. Jesus prepared fish over a charcoal fire, and it was, again, in the breaking of the bread, that his disciples recognized him. Jesus is inviting us to share his life and show us his mission so that we can live it. We were able to see the actual rock upon which Jesus prepared the meal. We had personal prayer time on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. And, we had the beautiful opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation from Father Thomas, who was in the person of Christ. How amazing to receive His mercy where he showed His mercy and love to his disciples. John, our guide, reminded us that "repentance is when you so profoundly find God's love andare wrapped  in it. Then, we can become more like it."

Praying at the Prinacy of Peter! 

Rock upon which Jesus placed the food he prepared for his disciples! 

Jesus, thank you for the incredible blessings today. Thank you for your love, your mercy, and your invitation to join you in Your mission. Give me the grace to respond with a generous yes today and always! Amen

Blessings, 

Julie