Jan. 23, 2011 SEA OF GALILEE

The Gospel today is on Jesus's stay in Capharnaum along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and the choice of His apostles.

Many of the pilgrims who visit the Holy Land during summer will long remember the beauty of the calm blue waters of the lake against a background of lush vegetation complimented by the caress of the soft cool breeze. Most of them will understand when the Gospel speaks of Jesus' leaving Nazareth to start His public ministry in and around Galilee. Who can resist the beauty of Galilee?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose fishermen to be His close associates - his apostles? When Jesus started His ministry he was already thirty years old. During His growing up years, He must have helped St. Joseph in their own carpentry shop and even have done work in other places along the same work. Accounts of a booming industrial area, Sepphoris, which provided construction jobs to many workers including carpenters during Jesus' time had been historically authenticated. Since it was only a few hours walk from Nazareth, it must have been possible for Jesus and His foster father to have worked there. He must have been exposed to different kinds of work performed by various men of intellect and prowess. Though small and seemingly insignificant, Nazareth must have all the attributes of an organized town in civil, police, medical and judicial affairs. Hence, during His lifetime, Jesus had seen many kinds of human endeavor. So, why did He choose mostly fishermen to be His apostles?

Let us try to find some meaning into Jesus' choice:

1. He chose fishermen because they have the spirit of adventure.

Fishermen venture out into the dark night at sea ready to face whatever comes their way. The sea can be so calm at one moment and in the very next cause untold anxiety by the mighty waves and strong winds. To explore the unknown and be steadfast in their commitment would certainly be a desired quality of an apostle.

2. He chose fishermen because they have the willingness to work as a group.

Teamwork is essential in any undertaking since the efficient sharing of work and rewards, of give and take spells success. A common ideal which binds men of different nature and circumstance makes possible the maximum cooperation among them.

3. He chose fishermen because of their patience.

Waiting for a catch requires patience of a special kind. The ticking of time which can last for hours and in some instances as in the Gospel account when Peter and his companions did not catch a fish for one whole night can be a penultimate test of patience. In the preaching of Jesus' Way to all sorts of people who have never heard of it would definitely be a challenge. It would require a big chunk of patience.

4. He chose fishermen because they were simple men.

Peter and the rest of his men were simple, unschooled, down-to-earth men. They were raw and rugged ready to be molded and polished so that their luster can reflect the light of Jesus, their Master. In His choice of the simple fishermen who have not been marred by the sophistication of the world, Jesus proved His declaration that He does not call the qualified but He qualifies the called. The lives of these men who became Jesus' apostles were totally transformed to become the pillars of our faith.

In my visits to the Holy Land, I particularly enjoyed Capharnaum and the Mount of Beatitudes because the Sea of Galilee is an integral part of their scenery. I have, therefore, attempted to write a few lines about :

GALILEE

How beautiful you are, Oh, Galilee
The serene waves that abound in Thee
St. Peter's fish swim with their young in tow
Amidst the swaying plants so green below.

How I love to be in charming Galilee
In the place where our Lord, Jesus walked with glee
Teaching His apostles - also Peter, James and John
To love everyone with the love He has sown.

The trees and boulders that line your rugged shores
Heard the tales Jesus told with such awesome force
That He will lay down His life to save the world
From sins of the flesh, corruption and the sword.

That to know Him means to study His Word
Reflect on Jesus' parables we won't get bored
Instill in our minds and hearts the way of life
Willing to serve others always with rife.

Eager to help those who knock at our door
For food, for shelter, for counsel and much more.
We can never fathom the power of prayer
Each time we seek God for someone else's welfare.

Oh, Galilee, how you marvelously display
Mother Nature in kaleidoscopic array
The changing colors as the seasons roll by
Complement the fragrance of the breeze coming nigh.

A chosen place you are, Oh, Galilee
From time immemorial to eternity
Oh, Lord, in your mercy and love, let me be
In the bosom of your heart, your own Galilee!


P. S. The cold and cough I had after Christmas led to Bronchitis and finally to Pneumonia so that I was confined for a few days at the Mercy General Hosopital in Sacramento. Hence, I was not able to attend to my Blog. Hopefully, after a complete recovery, I will be able to relate to all of you through Grace's Blog!