Holy Land: A Pre-Lenten Journey: Some things have changed after 2,000 years...

“How many layers do we build to bury that core?” That was the question Nancy asked in response to our day and the sights we have seen. We have traveled from Tel Aviv to Caesarea to Mt. Carmel and through the Jezreel Valley to Nazareth. Now we find ourselves at the Sea of Galilee. Many of us are realizing that traveling the Holy Land is complicated. That not only are there layers of history literally built on top of one another but we encounter layers within ourselves, the expectations and mental images that we bring to this place and our own responses as our experiences surprise us.

What brought about this conversation was our visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Tradition holds that this is the place where the angel, Gabriel, came to Mary. The experience of Nazareth, a bustling city, and this modern church surprised many of us. The Basilica was built in 1969, far from being old, especially in this land. However, we were told it was built on the ruins of three churches: one from the time of the Byzantines, one built during the Crusades and one around the time of the Middle Ages. These layers sit on top of what is believed to be Mary’s home. Deciphering the different layers becomes difficult. It seems, that each of us most go on our own journey to discover what is significant to us. For some, it is the Cave of the Annunciation for others the gifts of art (some very modern) from various nations that add beauty to this basilica.

The Basilica of the Annunciation,

including the Cave and artwork given by the United States...

How does the modern exist alongside the biblical sites we have journeyed to see? How as pilgrims will we find what we are seeking to draw from this trip in such layers of architecture and expectations?

For Nancy tonight, it was the simplicity and calm of the Sea of Galilee that made her feel connected on her journey. When one thinks of the Holy Land, often one thinks of Jerusalem, however, it is in Nazareth and around the Sea of Galilee that Jesus spent most of his life. We look forward to our next few days here and what will touch us next.

Some images from our day….

Caesarea...