Some reflections on two of the many places which became "holy" for me in Israel

The Mount of Beatitudes

peace-filled, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, foreign land visible on its not-too-distant shore ... a perspective Jesus must have had ... did it shape his world view?

one of the few Christian churches in the Middle East in which I felt at home: simple, focused, ringed with words of blessing, clear windows to natural beauty unmarred by evidence of conflict -- but built with funds from Mussolini?!! Are even our best efforts tainted?

surrounding gardens and spring-like weather made one forget that the blossoms were lingering into winter ... fragile beauty, tenuous peace ... can roots grope deep enough to provide anchor and to draw up sustenance to survive the onslaught of harsh conditions?

conversation about the Beatitudes, Jesus' "inaugural address," a Gospel portion challenging illusions of control yet inviting to a surprising freedom ...

sometimes in dialogue with Jews I wonder if they wonder why anyone would remain a Christian ... we Christians are beginning to struggle with a burden of history, years of persecuting in the name of "our" God! ... listening to familiar, beloved Scripture preached but now hearing how easily it can be interpreted as anti-Judaism, anti-Jews, anti-real people whom I have come to respect and love ... this particular dialogue offers a rare moment in which Christians share what touches them deeply about the Good News of Jesus, what gives them hope, what fires them with enthusiam (entheos = in God) -- without claiming to be "better than."

Kabbalist Synagogue in Safed
(The "Blue" Synagogue)