Reflection by: Fiona Sng
Chronicles of a pilgrim – Day 6
#sequelachristi2022
Day 6 of our trip began with a trip to St Peter’s Church. The Church was built around 1100 AD and represents the Church of Christ resisting storms. Other than the interior of the church being shaped like an inverted boat, there is a symbol showing a man in the boat on the waters. This symbol signified how St Peter (being the first disciple who founded the first Church) stood against storms as he sat in the boat.
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary! We had mass here at St Peter’s Church led by Father JP. Father had emphasized that Mother Mary was conceived without sin, and how according to the Primacy of Christ, God had predetermined that there would be a union of divinity and humanity through Mary. This union was in the person of Jesus when He took on flesh; Mother Mary was hence the perfect church – as she was the truest disciple of Jesus.
The Gospel today of the Annunciation left me awed at our Mother’s faith; and hearing that she had been predestined to be conceived without sin moved my heart deeply. This led me to ask myself: “Can I too like Mother Mary give birth to the word of God in my life?”; in my day-to-day activities. “How can I be a true disciple like our Mother Mary? Within my heart and through my actions?”
Next, we went to the Mt Bental Lookout in the middle of the Golan Heights, near a volcanic crater. From here on the side of Israel, we could see Lebanon and Syria; and see from afar the Israeli-Syrian border.
It was so near yet felt so far away. I could only imagine how different the culture and the lifestyle lived by the people at the other side of the border is compared to a life lived in Israel. Was Golan Heights across the ages a place of refuge? When the struggles of life come; can I find a place of safety and peace within myself? One that is grounded in Christ regardless of the missiles, enemy fighter jets or tanks around?
Far in the distance also sits Mount Hermon. Although we did not manage to see this mountain as it was hidden by the clouds; this was where God had made a covenant with Abraham promising the promised lands to Abraham’s descendants. And Abraham believed. What does it mean to believe in what God has promised us? Even when this is amidst war, strife or difficulties?
How striking it was then to hear from our guide Yossi that these lands are also where the Road to Damascus is – where St Paul had gained his new-found sight!
Next, off we went for a fun afternoon. We had a Druz lunch at Olea Essence; where we sampled exfoliating cream on our hands and dipped bread into different types of olive oil.
After purchasing our olive oil-based skin and food products, we headed to Golan Heights winery for some wine tasting. We were served white, red and dessert wine; a tad wiser in becoming wine connoiseurs!
Finally our last stop was at Kursi National Park – the site of a Byzantine monastery and the miracle of the swine. This was where Jesus had met a demon-possessed man and after he had asked Jesus to cure him, Jesus sends the demons into the herd of swine where they run into the lake and drown; following which the clean man asks to follow Jesus who sends him home to proclaim what had happened.
Overall, today had been a relaxed day and I enjoyed myself, especially the Golan Heights. It was such a blessing to witness the beautiful lands, some having turned into volcanic black ashes; and yet to stand safely at the crossroads – the borders of countries. I felt privileged to visualize the lands from our biblical past and their state today. Abraham Father of faith, and Mary our Lady the first and most perfect disciple, intercede for us!
