Banias (Cesarea Philipi)
Our pilgrimage today involved some extended traveling. We loaded the bus after a time of prayer and breakfast for a ride filled with beauty and mountain curves. Rising slowly above the north end of the Sea of Galilee we traveled to the small, beginning streams of the Jordan River. We stopped briefly at the waters of Dan. After that, we went headed off to the rapids and falls of Banias national park. About mid-morning we arrived at the start of the Jordan, a place referred to by Mark’s Gospel as Caesarea Philippi. There were ancient temples to the pagan gods and churches to explore as well.
By themselves the three small streams don’t look like much. But they come together to form the Jordan River which fills the Sea of Galilee. Finding a quiet spot by the river’s edge, we re-affirmed our baptism and commitment to Christ in a brief prayer service.
We explored the nearby caves and ruins from the first century over the next minutes.
Golan Heights
The next leg of the day’s trip took us further north into the mountains past Mt. Hermon and the Golan Heights. Mt. Hermonis a proud snow-capped peak near Israel’s northern borders with Syria and Lebanon. At just over 9,000 feet above sea level, it towers over the green valleys of almond and avocado trees. The group rode for more than an hour through the peaceful hills, vineyards, and farms that are the eastern border of Israel.
Occasionally the peaceful scene was interrupted by a row of tanks or soldiers in formation - a tragic reminder of the fragile nature of the region. Slowly wandering down the mountain road, we returned to the shore of the Sea of Galilee and enjoyed a sandwich and soft drink in Magdala, a town mentioned in the Gospels and known for it most famous first-century resident, Mary Magdalene.
Great blog. Enjoy reading about all the sites you visit each day.
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