Holy Land Travelogue - 11

by Jose Kurian Puliyeril

In the Galilee Sea

We were thrilled to watch the great joy enjoyed by the tender tides of the sea in our presence there. They were seemed as if they were playing hide and seek with us. At times we felt that the tides were curiously watching us and this understanding made us so happy and in fact we knew no bounds for our joy and enthusiasm. The respective portions of the Gospels according to St. Matthew (chapter 8), St. Luke (chapter 5), and St. John 21 were read by one of us each. Immediately the respected priests lead us in deep meditation, though it was for a short term, but was worthy enough to the bottom of the hearts. They were so meaningful and apt for the occasion. The engine of the Ship was put off when the Ship reached the center of the Sea, so that we could easily grasp the meaning of the memory of the event when our Lord had silenced the wild tides and storms and made the sea calm. When we enjoyed the cold and mild breeze of the Sea, we felt that our Lord was asking each and every one of us “don’t you believe that I love you too”. At this auspicious occasion we all prayed in our minds “Yes our Lord, Kindly grant me your Love for ever and ever”. When the participants of the pilgrimage from young children to the elders briefed about their experiences during the pilgrimage till then, it was a crystal clear proof of the above said fact. When all shared their experiences and statements, some were up to the extreme end by saying that why can’t we stay here, as St. Peter suggested to raise three tents, at the right time when he was blessed to watch the great event of transfiguration. But all of us realized the reality that we had to leave the ship so soon, when it would reach the shore. The innocent and sincere words of a 16 year old girl “when we enjoy the tender breeze of this Sea, we feel like shouting Lord, we love you” touched the hearts of one and all. These words were bright enough to shower powerful light in our inner hearts. Those innocent words from her inner heart are echoing still in our ears and help us to remember those blessed movements again and again. 

Fishes of different colors, designs and sizes were dancing around our Ship. They seemed as if they too enjoyed our presence there. The officials of the boat gave us a certificate each, as a testimony of our boat journey in the Sea. When the boat reached the boat Jetty, we came to the shore thanking the staff of the boat. Our hearts were filled with warm and pleasant memories and we continued our bus journey. 

Synagogue of our Lord Jesus

Later we have visited the remains of the prayer house known as Synagogue of Lord Jesus. Synagogue literally means the place where the Jews assemble for their prayers and worships. We read in St. Luke 2:40-47 that our Lord had been to Jerusalem temple when he was 12 years old and had a debate with the Jewish scholars. The Gospel portions of St. Matthew 13:54, St. Mark 6:2 vouch that our Lord had taught His own lessons/versions based on the religious texts of the Jews at the Synagogues. So also St. Matthew 12:9, St. Luke 4:16, St. John 6:59, 18:20 witness the same argument. The Jews tell Lord Jesus that the Centurion constructed a Synagogue for them as a gift. (St. Luke 7:5) We read in St. Luke 4:15-22, that our Lord had visited the Synagogue on the day on which He had won over the temptations of Satan and explained the Prophecy of Isaiah. The same Synagogue is known as the Synagogue of Lord Jesus. Though there are few remains of the Synagogue which stood as a symbol of the pomp and proud of the Jews at a time, the carvings and the art work on the walls etc are of high standard.