The Days of My Life......: Departing Tiberias.........

Today was a bit sad. We arose, ate breakfast, and put out our luggage for departure to Jerusalem.

I would be lying if I said I was not totally excited about all the things that were ahead of us, but our stay on the beautiful Sea of Galilee has been more than words can describe. We have toured, visited, and reflected. It has been awesome. The time has come to leave this behind for the next leg of the journey and today will bring more incredible sights.

First stop on our journey South is the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.

It was on this 1900 foot mountain that Peter, James, and John were witnesses to the Transfiguration of Christ. It was here they spent quiet time, time for reflection, and so it is meant to be today.

Together we were given time after mass in this gorgeous church to reflect and just be still.

The stained glass peacocks signify glory. There is simply no way to sit still in this church and not feel God's glory in all things, both old and new.

The hillsides were glorious, but what struck me the most was the reality of the person Jesus must have been. To have traveled the distances by foot that we have by bus is a testament to the pure physical strength and endurance that our Lord must have possessed. Mile after mile of terrain, both flat lands and mountains, and as He walked the crowds followed.

On the way to Jerusalem we stopped in Jericho and the sight of the sycamore tree where the story of Zacchaeus took place. As related in the gospel of Luke, Zacchaeus was a Roman tax collector who was very short in stature. When he heard Jesus was passing through town, he climbed up in a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of our Lord. Jesus spotted him and insisted he come down so he could stay with him for the night. Zacchaeus gave half of his possessions to the Lord and repaid fourfold all of those he had taken advantage of.

And the Lord blessed Zacchaeus.

As in all tourist spots, holy or not, there are the insistent vendors who will sell you anything for a dollar!

Leaving Jericho we passed the Mount of Temptations where Jesus spent 40 days and nights and was subject to continual temptations by the devil.

Small communities dotted the roadsides on our way to Jerusalem.

Different cultures were noted by the fact that the roof was flat or pointed.

Finally rounding the curve we got our first look at the holy city of Jerusalem.

That magnificent golden dome that is the trademark sight of this city did not disappoint.

The entire city is built our of white limestone and other that a few red rooftops this is the only color there is. No wonder so many people travel to see this sight.