THE LAND ITSELF SPEAKS

This photograph depicts children accompanied by their teachers on a field trip in the Hinnom Valley, Jerusalem.

Jesus was born some 8 miles from here. Could there be any doubt that this wonderfully green ground was around when Jesus was about this age? Not really since this valley has been mentioned in tghe Bible several times. Its history is not always very pretty, but its existence as a community gathering place cannot be disputed. Since Jesus was no doubt living in Nazareth at the age of these youngsters, He would perhaps have visited this valley during the annual pilgrimage that the Holy Family made to Jerusalem to pray at the Temple.

The picture on the left shows some of what is left of the main street in Bethsaida, the home town of Peter, just 7 or 8 kilometers from Nazareth. Bethsaida, 2,000 years ago was on the shore of Lake Galilee. Now it is removed from the Lake by 3 kilometers. If you want to listen to Jesus talking to you through the very stones upon which He set foot, this is the place. It is impossible to remain objective in this holy place. The Spirit is powerful here and He has a message for everyone.

The words that we hear in church at every Mass come to us as a habit and we don't often pay deep attention. In Bethsaida, our habits don't get in the way. Here, the power of Jesus takes over and the stones themselves shout out His glory.

Stretch your US Dollar here

We are preparing to go to the Holy Land in September of this year, It promises to be a very nice trip and a very uplifting one. There are so many reasons why many Christians hold a dream of visiting the land of Jesus. Isabel and I can assure you that once you have been there, your life will be changed for good.


Many people dream of going to Rome. It is the one place that seems to be so much within our reach. The Middle East seems to be so far away, both physically and emotionally. We feel so much more comfortable in Rome. I must say that I know the feeling well. I did not ever lose my desire to go to Israel, but I must admit that I had many second throughts about going there through the ages. Once I went and lived there for a month, took the buses and went where I wanted to go, I am a changed person.


Today, I was looking at the exchange rate for the euro as compared to the US dollar. Wow! It takes $1,48 to buy 1 Euro. That is not a good deal. Whereas in Israel, it takes 3.74 shekels to buy $1.00. Now, that is a better deal. You mighht want to keep this non-religious reason for choosing Israel over other destinations that might be tempting you. Here is a way that you can keep track of the exchange rate, just click here.



May God bless you. You can find the original notice and the information that you need to sign up for this great pilgrimage by clicking here