March 10, 2016 GALILEE

                               
                                            GALILEE


The Gospel today recounts the appearance of Jesus after His resurrection to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. The all-night fishing adventure of Peter and his friends was not rewarded by a single catch. But when Jesus told them to lower their net on the right side of the boat, they caught 153 fish. Some theologians claim that the number of the fish was significant since there are 153 species of fish in the world. Hence, since Jesus said that they are to be "fishers" of men, then their catch should be universal encompassing the world.

During their breakfast, Jesus asked Peter, "Simon, do you love me?" three times. Note that Jesus used Peter's old name which represented "weakness." Because Peter's denial of Jesus - his declaration that he did not know Jesus was a manifestation of his weakness. Peter's proof of his "agape" love for Jesus restored him to his position among the disciples and more importantly, the trust and love they had for each other.

In my visits to the Holy Land, the Sea of Galilee (actually a lake) had an special appeal, an undefined hold on me. The gentle ripples of turquoise water shimmering under the noonday sun against the greenery of the Golan Heights present a picture- perfect setting! A boat-ride in a replica of the ones that ply between its shores during the first century makes the Galilee experience all the more unforgettable. And a fitting climax is the sumptuous lunch in the shoreline restaurant of its best cuisine - St. Peter's fish - the "tilapia."

Inspired by the surroundings of Galilee, I attempted to write these lines :

How beautiful you are, Oh, Galilee
The serene waters 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, 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 would 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 without strife.

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 display
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!

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