Hear O Israel… Part 4
After leaving the mount of the Beatitudes, we journeyed onward to another section of the Mt. of Beatitudes to Domus Galilaeae International Center.
I must say this place was amazing and I only wish my hebrew was something.
Our early arrival had put us in position to receive a private tour… However, this was quickly defeated by several others looking for a tour. I don’t really mind sharing, it’s just that our guide, Philip from Poland was going to give us a tour in english… As other visitors arrived it seemed as if hebrew would be the choice language. Philip started in english but quickly moved on for the other guest since I lagged behind taking many photos. I think one should take the tour and notes… then, go back though and take photos. I have to admit there is much of the story and design to this place I simply did not get.
“The meaning for “Domus Galilaeae” has been underlined several times… To read the Gospel in the light of tradition and of the Hebrew Liturgies”
I love this idea. It seems to me that much of the Old Testament has been forsaken. It was this scripture that Paul would say,
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Surly Paul wasn’t talking about his own letter being scripture to Timothy… If so, why would Paul say, “how from infancy you have known the holy Scripture,”?
This is what I liked about the Domus Galilaeae… It is a learning place to find Christ in the pages of the Scriptures of the Old Testament.
This room is the room where dwelling in the word or “Lectio Divina” takes place. There is so much symbolism put in place by the architect who was no architect at all but an artist. He worked with skilled architects to put together this facility.
For example, notice the lamps… They’re shaped in the form of water drops. It symbolizes that God’s word falls from heaven and like water that falls to the earth it brings forth life and growth. God’s word when brought to the earth gives life and growth.
It’s difficult to see, but the walls are textured like the inside of the “womb”. This represents the idea that this is a place of growing, nurturing and preparing for the birth.
Each room, nook and corner seemed to have some type of symbolism. Thus the reason to take the verbal tour first and then pictures.
Beyond these pillars is the garden. Another element in scripture that holds the mysteries of God to his people.
Nir, lining up a shot inside a globe that symbolizes the earth. In the middle of this life sized globe is the Torah. It represents the center of what the world is based around… the Word of God.
In this room lies hundreds of books for study. I think it would be fun to visit this place for a few days and just observe and have conversation about things studied.
I have several other pictures of this place which can be seen on my gallery site.
Next we drove to Kfar Nakhum (Capernaum). This is one of my favorite pictures of the trip.
I know some american church folk who would have a tough time with this sign. Alas, I leave it to the reader to be offended or encouraged by the fact that HOLY PLACES don’t allow “Short Clothes,” “Dogs,” “Guns,” (this I can understand) and “Cigarettes.”
The remains of Capernaum were interesting. The chapel above St. Peters home was closed. All of this was surreal. I’ve only read and imagined these stones my whole life. Now I stand in the very place where heros of faith lived.
What a privilege.
peace.
johno~
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