Prayer Service Feb. 11

Day 3: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tiberias, Boat ride on Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Caesarea Philippi

Today we go to Caesarea once the Roman Showplace, the sumptuous city and best harbor on the eastern Mediterranean Sea.  Here Peter converted the first Gentile, Cornelius, (Acts 21:8).  Paul was imprisoned for two years and stood trial (Acts 26). Here the Deacon Philip lived and ministered (Acts 8:40).  Here so many Apostles and disciples left all they knew and went out to foreign lands, "Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations…..I am with you always, yes, to the end of time."  This is my commission… How am I called to live out this Baptismal mission….

The Sea of Galilee!
We all know that Jesus was born in Galilee yet we often do not stop to realize that most of Jesus' ministry was spent in Galilee. The center of Jesus' ministry was the Sea of Galilee (also called Tiberius or of Kenneret (harp) )…

Actually a lake, the Sea of Galilee is 13 miles by 7 miles, 130-157 feet deep and 686 feet below sea level. The water springs from Mt. Hermon in the north, and flows down the river Jordan emptying into the Dead Sea.

Many roads crossed near this Sea.  Goods and diverse peoples stopped and paid taxes at Capernaum.  Capernaum, the place Jesus chose as home when he left Nazareth was on the mainland route from Egypt to Damascus…St. Matthew was collecting taxes at Capernaum when he heard Jesus' call…..

Peter's home was in Capernaum; it became Jesus' chosen home during the years of ministry. Here Jesus could bring his disciples, he could find rest, solitude for prayer, community and friendship…Jesus also found great beauty in the water, the fertile valleys and the mountains and hills around the Sea.  Today we travel to the hub of Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom, the call of Apostles and disciples and some of the most amazing miracles and teachings of Jesus……

Tabgha, ie "Seven Springs" in the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee:

So much of Jesus' ministry happened at this beautiful place of abundant water:

- Jesus called Peter & Andrew, James & John:  Matt. 4:18-20

- Jesus fed 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish: Mk. 6:36; Matt 14, 13; Jn 6:1 ..

- Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount: Matt 5:1-12

- The Primacy was given to St. Peter: John 21

- Jesus sought solitude to be with His Father: Mk 1:35-39

- Jesus taught from Peter's boat: Mk 3:7-12; Lk 5:1-3

Picture the boat scenes of Jesus on the Sea with his disciples:

- Jesus quieted the storm: Matt 8:23-27

- Jesus walked on the stormy sea: Matt 14:22

Capernaum

- Jesus taught at the synagogue: Mk 1:21; Lk 4:31

- Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law: Matt:8:14; Mk 1:21; Lk 4:31

- Jesus healed the centurion's servant: Matt 8:5; Lk 7:1

- Jesus healed the palsied man: Matt 9:1; Mk 2:1; Lk 5:17

- Jesus raises Jarius' daughter: Matt 9:11; Mk 5:22; Lk 8:41

- Jesus healed the woman with issue of blood: Matt 8; Mk 5:25; LK 8:43

- Jesus healed two blind men: Matt 9:27

- Jesus healed the nobleman's son: Jn 4:46

- Jesus healed a withered hand: Matt 12:10; Mk 3:1; Lk 6:6

Jesus also proclaimed a curse on Capernaum: Matt 11:23

We will walk the path Jesus walked!

Jesus make Your home in me… Teach me to use all that You have given to me to praise You and to support my sisters and brothers…. What would help me welcome Jesus into my mind and heart…?

May it be said of me: (think your name) is a place where the Lord is at home …. a place where Jesus feels free to bring His friends knowing they will be welcome ….a place where Jesus can rest, work, play, feel at home.

Come, Lord Jesus, Welcome!

Perhaps after this day by the Sea of Galilee your might want to share this graced time with a fellow pilgrim.

We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

1. The Annunciation of Our Lord
2. The Visitation
3. The Nativity of Jesus
4. The Presentation in the Temple
5. The Fining in the Temple