Tabgha- Israel Pilgrimage 2

Tabgha-

 a shortened Arabic word

 for the Greek word Haptapagon.

translated as Seven Springs.

A place along the Sea of Galilee 

where springs feed the Sea 

with warmer water that creates algae 

and a fish feeding paradise.

Thus a hangout for fisherman.

On the shore of pebbles near the church

 in Tabgha are Heart stones. 

 Our tour leader said that even a few years ago

 they were not seen because water covered them.

Perhaps they were anchors for fishing poles.

This shoreline is significant

 because it is the general vicinity

 where many accounts take place in the Gospels.

This visit I was focused on the story of Jesus

 appearing after His Resurrection-

 as told in John 21.

Not knowing what else to do- 

the disciples go out fishing.

When your world turns upside down- 

sometimes we have to fall

 into the comfort of an old routine.

Unfortunately-for the disciples-

 the same old story- 

fishing all night and catching no fish.

Someone calls from the shore-

"Throw your next on the right side, 

and you will find some."

That sounds a bit Deja Vu`.

So many they can't haul it in.

Peter jumps into the water and swims ashore.

The rest slowly row and haul in 153 fish.

And join Jesus by the campfire-

 where He has breakfast all ready.

Later, a conversation that Peter

 has with Jesus changes his life course.

Jesus brings restoration to Peter.

His messed up life and choices

 will be fully redeemed

 by the death and new life of Jesus.

For each of the three times 

that Peter had denied Jesus-

 he is given a chance to declare
 his love for Jesus.

Do you love me?

Peter has a job to do-- Feed my Sheep.
It will not be easy.

But, above all else- FOLLOW ME.

                                                                                                          John at water's edge.

I give thanks to God in this Lenten season- 

that I too have the story of full restoration by Jesus.

My Baptism promise.

With the very same outstretched hand-

Follow ME.

The Tabgha site has the 

Church of the Primacy of St. Peter
church-of-primacy-of-st-peter

and also the Church of the Multiplication.
church-of-multiplication

These blog posts tell a bit more
 about what you might see at this site in Israel.