Really, Nazareth?!

Today we visited two places, the ruins of Megiddo (Armageddon) and, the ruins of the old town of Nazareth. Both places have existed for more than seven thousand years, and both are located relatively close to each other. In their ruins, there is evidence of different civilizations. Yet their difference was captivating.

 

Megiddo was a wealthy, highly developed city. It had a great castle built during the Solomon-Ahab period, very strong walls for defense, and it was located in a strategic place that allowed whoever ruled the city to control the trade routes between Egypt in the south, and Assyria in the north. The city was a stronghold during the times of war, unlike the cities around that usually got sacked and its inhabitants killed.

Nazareth, on the other hand, was a very small and quiet place on a hill north of Megiddo. It only had around 150 inhabitants during the first century. Just a couple of streets and not much protection, no palace, nor army to defend it. No wonder why Nathaniel asked: "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (Jn. 1:46) Yet this small town of Galilee witnessed the greatest miracle: The Word was made flesh here. This town is very much alive nowadays, unlike Megiddo which is talked about only in history books.

Upon reflecting on these two places, one could not help but think on God as the Lord of surprises. Not only did He choose a region occupied by the mighty Roman empire, but even within this region He chose to become man and to live and learn in the simplest town. He chose a humble woman and hardworking man as parents. God definitely surprised Nathaniel, and many other, perhaps this is why Mary exclaimed: He has thrown down the rulers from their throne, but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.” (Lk. 1:52-53)

These visits encourage us to remember that God is there to help us when we are down, and also invite us not to ignore those who are down, because through them His work of redemption can be fulfilled.