(NOTE: Family, Friends and all of who share this pilgrimage by video, please leave a comment below and I will read them on the bus each day. This is a great way for you all to share the experience together.)
Today our group arrived at the airport in Tel Aviv. They were full of joy though tired from the flight. Many said, “I can’t believe I am really here!” No one feared for their life 🙂 since it is beautiful, friendly and safe (I know since I have been here well over 100 times).
Too many allow the Devil to keep them from this beautiful experience through fear – though every year 3.5 million people visit Israel and never ONCE has one of them been hurt.
Today’s flight arrived early so we were able to take everyone to Stella Maris in the Carmel Mountain range where Elijah had profound experiences (1 Kings 18) of the power of God. Mass at the Cave of Elijah is always a moving experience.
Everyone was excited to be in the Holy Land. Janet and I — and our best friend and Roman Catholic guide Amer — were excited to receive them. The anticipation is thick enough to cut with a knife. What a great group have assembled on our bus.
We arrived at our hotel in Tiberias while it was still light so everyone could see the Sea of Galilee and hear the waves splashing on the shore right below our bedroom windows (everyone has a seaside room with a balcony). Those who rise early will see the fishermen coming in right below our rooms.
Dinner was excellent and everyone had a free evening — though most went straight to bed, tired from their long flights. Tomorrow we go to the Mountain of Transfiguration, renew wedding vows in Cana and celebrate Mass at the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth where Gabriel first announced the Good News to Mary and where the Word became flesh HERE!
We will be praying each Mystery of the Rosary where it happened and having Mass at the most holy sites in the world!