Water of Life

Replica of Jesus' Boat

Today was about water. Living water and dead water and deserts without water.

We started our day with a visit to the Jesus Boat Museum where we saw a model of the type of boat that Peter, James and John would have used as fisherman on the Sea of Galilee.

Then we were shown the ancient remains of a fishing boat that dates back to the time of Jesus. We also learned about their fishing technique. (See 1st century fishing boat remains below right.)

1st Century Fishing Boat Remains

No trip to the Jesus Boat Museum would be complete without a boat ride on a replica of the Jesus boat. We even took over our boat by raising the American flag.

Boat on the Sea of Gallilee

 

Father David in the Desert

The Sea of Galilee flows out to form the Jordan River which flows through the desert toward the Dead Sea and Jericho.  The primary difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea is the the Sea of Galilee flows out to give life to the desert. The Dead Sea does not flow out at all. It remains to itself and it gives life to nothing.   Because of this the salt content becomes so high that life cannot survive in the Dead Sea.  It is a great metaphor for our lives. The only way to really live is to flow out of our selves to give life to others. When we keep everything to ourselves and only live for our self we become dead.

Along the way from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea we drove into the desert on the border with Jordan to a spot close to where John the Baptist would have performed Baptisms.

Father David at the Jordan River

Jordan River

It is also near the ancient community of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Ancient Community of Qumran

Father David in Qumran

After visiting Qumran it was time to go for a swim and a mud bath in the Dead Sea.

Mud Baths in the Dead Sea

The mud of the Dead Sea (above) is known for being full of minerals and salts that are good for your skin. Also because the water is more than 30% salt you float very easily.  I took a swim and a mud bath. I have to say that the mud stings your skin a bit, but it sure feels great after you wash it off.

Finally, we left the water and drove through the desert to take the road from Jericho up to Jerusalem. In the desert you can lose up to 2 liters of water each hour from evaporation. It made me appreciate how precious water is to us. Baptism uses water as a symbol of death and life. Death to our selves and selfishness and life in God for others. Truly, it was a day of life and death.


Peace and Goodness,

FD