Reflection in the Sea of Galilee

 

The Holy Land:  The Sea of Galilee

“Who could be so lucky? Who comes to a lake for water and sees the reflection of moon.”
--- Rumi

The Sea of Galilee is actually a lake, the largest freshwater lake in Israel. It is also called the Sea of Kinneret, Lake Gennesaret or Lake Tiberias. About eight miles wide and thirteen miles long, it is set within the northern part of Syrian-African rift valley and fed by the Jordan River. It is shaped like a harp.

I. The Shores of Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

After checking in at a Kibbutz, my sister and I went for a walk by the seaside before dinner. It was one of the few times in this pilgrimage that I did not feel like a tourist moving from one attraction to another. A secluded place allowed me to stop and reflect. I took the time to look closely and absorb the scenery. Although it was not the exact spot where Jesus performed his miracles (e.g. walked on water, miraculous catch of fish), it was where I most felt the presence of God. This place confirmed my belief that God is everywhere.
#1 - The Shores of Kinneret near Kibbutz Kinar

#2 - The Shores of Kinneret near Kibbutz Kinar

II. The Holy Triangle

We sailed in the area called the Holy Triangle, bounded by three mountains - Mt. Harmon, Mt. Tabor (Mountain of Transfiguration), and the Beatitude Mountain, and also the Arbel Cliffs. The water was calmer here that the Sea of Galilee felt more like a lake.
#3 - Typical boat use for sailing in the Sea of Galilee, near Kibbutz Ginosar

#4.  Near Kibbutz Ginosar - Seeing my reflection


#5 - Plants growing on water
III. Tabgha

Nature abound on the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee in the area called Tabgha - the site of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30-46) and the fourth resurrection of the appearance of Jesus. Photos taken from the back of the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, built on rocks at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, considered to be the place where Jesus appeared the fourth time after his resurrection (John 21:1-24), during which Jesus again conferred primacy on Simon Peter.
#6 - Beautiful tale of tails
#7 - Taking a dual role - a bird and a flower
#8 - Simply...St. Peter's Fish

NOTE:  All photos by the author

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