Capernaum

I found the visit to Capernaum really interesting because we were on the site of what became Jesus' hometown (after he was rejected from Nazareth.) Unlike places like Nazareth and Bethlehem, it's no longer a living settlement, but there are still ruins in existence of homes, and of the local synagogue, that remain from Jesus' time.

There is a remarkable, modern, fish-shaped church that is built directly over what is believed to be the remains of Peter's house, where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. (Some in our group felt that the Italian architect of this 1990 church should have been asked to submit a proposal for a new Christchurch cathedral! )

Among the ruins of houses are examples of the steps that led up to roofs, of the sort that would have been used by the men who lowered their paralysed friend through the roof.

We left Capernaum about 1.30, and I elected to return to the kibbutz rather than carry on with the afternoon programme. Fear of missing out was today conquered by the prospect of a quiet afternoon to catch up on laundry, journal etc and explore the kibbutz area a bit more. The day had already been so worthwhile that I thought it better to quit while I am ahead rather than arrive back in the early evening overtired and out of sorts. A few of us have stayed back this afternoon. The rest of the group were to be visiting a women's fair trade cooperative in Cana, as well as having a renewal of wedding vows for the couples present. They will also be spending time in the home of some local Arab Christians, and hearing about their lives, which I am a bit sorry to be missing. But I am not regretting the decision to take these hours to catch up with myself amidst a generally rather fast-paced programme.Leggi altro