Seek His Presence Always

For the last two years, reconstruction of the Atrium, or Narthex, to the Church of the Multiplication has been underway. We've visited this church once before for prayer and a tour. Today we had the privilege of attending Sunday Mass at the Church, presided over by Cardinal Woelki, Archbishop of Cologne in Germany. He was present to bless and consecrate the new atrium. Mass was said at the main altar, which stands immediately above the rocks that tradition holds is where Jesus set the five loaves and two fish before the multiplication took place. A number of guys enjoyed a rare opportunity to touch the rock and see the mosaic of the loaves and fish up close.

After Fr. Kasule gathered us all together after Mass, we visited a beautiful Greek Orthodox monastery located just outside the ancient city of Capernaum where the ancient cemetery is located. There was an unusual icon on the entrance wall of the Church depicting the Last Judgment. This was very striking as were the many icons of saints and scenes from the Gospels. Upon returning, we were privileged to join the reception being held for Cardinal Woelki and those who attended the dedication of the new Atrium. For the foodies in the group, it was spoken of like a taste of heaven.

Equipped with a free afternoon, guys spent it in a myriad of ways, such as working on homework or attempting to fish. I found a comfortable rock on the Sea of Galilee’s shore to rest for a little while. Looking over the same sea that Jesus saw so many times in His own life, it sunk in today that we are spending time where Jesus taught in the synagogues, worked his miracles, and shared meals with people. Yet amidst all this, we see that he often goes to deserted places to pray (Mk 1:18). It seems that Jesus was pointing people to look beyond the miracles to seek communion with His Father, in the more mundane times as well. Jesus acts profoundly in our own lives, and certainly has in this pilgrimage, offering powerful, grace-filled visits at times.  However, He reminds us not to join the Pharisees in demanding a sign (Mk 8:11), but rather to seek His presence always.

In the evening, we came together for a social overlooking the Sea of Galilee. A few of the guys put in the work to find some tastes from home (like Oreos and Coca Cola) as well as some local tastes for snacking. With such a biblical and idyllic setting, it was a privilege to enjoy each other’s company and good conversation.

Looking ahead, we will be visiting Capernaum again while continuing to slow the pace of the pilgrimage down in anticipation of the retreat. In some ways, we will be following Jesus to a deserted place, as he leaves Capernaum in the Gospel of Luke (Lk 4:42) to pray before making a big decision as he did in selecting the Apostles (Lk 6:12). Please do pray for discerning hearts as this will serve for most of the group as the retreat all deacons must make before their ordinations.