Out on the Sea, Visiting St. Peter at Home, Up to Jerusalem Going Down, Mary Arrives at the Visitation

by Steve Ray on May 5, 2013




We are happy to have Robyn Lee with us. She is a writer for Catholic Digest and The National Catholic Register owned by EWTN. She is a great pilgrim and is writing articles each day about our pilgrimage. Here is a picture of Robyn eating her St. Peter’ Fish today for lunch. Make sure to read her daily reports HERE.

Another great day with beautiful weather and when we could outsmart all the lines and congestion. Israel is full of pilgrims, tourists and buses, but knowing what to do and where to go helps avoid the crowds.

We started the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where I told the story of how I went fishing all night with two Jewish fishermen. Calm seas and we could see the points of Jesus’ ministry along the shore.

We arrived at Nof Ginosar to view the ancient “Jesus Boat” from the 1st century. This is stepping back in history to the fishing world known by Jesus and his disciples.

Steve teaching on Capernaum and the Eucharist

We arrived at Capernaum for Mass. The reading is always John 6 where Jesus says, Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood.” The last verse of the Gospel reading is, “Jesus spoke these words in the Synagogue in Capernaum.” Everyone at this moment turns to look out of the window of the church and THERE IS THE SYNAGOGUE! I gave my talk, “Defending the Eucharist.”

After a delicious dinner of St. Peter’s Fish we took off for Jerusalem driving south but going UP to Jerusalem. We stopped at Ein Kerem where Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth. All through our 2.5 hour drive I kept saying, “Remember, Mary is still walking!”

I gave my talk on Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant and Queen of Heaven. We arrived at our Notre Dame Hotel early so everyone had a few hours to relax, settle in and enjoy the place before dinner. The evening was free.

(Make sure to view Robyn Lee’s pictures and daily report at Catholic Digest)

Don’t forget to leave comments below. The pilgrims love them. I read them every day on the bus. You don’t have to be a family or friend to leave a comment 🙂



8 Comments

  • Josh says:

    Dad, Looks like you’re going to have to clear my head about the difference between David’s dancing in 2Samuel 6:5 vs 6:14. Is the difference between a)the response of Isreal as a collective versus b) the reflexive response of David as an individual? David’s reflexive response of being before the ark of the Lord is mirrored by the reflexive response of John the Baptist in the womb–is that what Steve was talking about in yesterday’s broadcast?

    Looks like you’re all having an amazing experience and enriching your faith!
    I pray that what you plan on sharing from your experience here will profoundly impact the faith journey of your friends and family.

  • Rebecca Mastee says:

    HELLO GRACIE!!!! 🙂

    It’s Sunday here, and I’m just catching up on all of the videos so far. The first time I saw you, I was so excited that I literally yelled at my computer – There’s Gracie! 🙂 Looks like you are having a great time! I love being able to see all the amazing things you’re doing and seeing each day! The food looks so delicious too! Thank you for allowing me to share in this experience via the videos – I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. What a special opportunity to be where Jesus was and to have mass each day at such amazing Churches. I pray you are enjoying yourself and that God is providing you with peace while you are away – and maybe even some revelations 🙂

    I also want to extend a “shout out” to Sue R. from Michigan – what a small world! It was a total surprise to see someone else I knew on my friend Gracie’s trip! I hope you are enjoying yourself as well and having a fruitful time.

    Praying for you all!
    God Bless,
    Rebecca

  • Tessie Phillips says:

    Tommy, Libby, and Margaret,

    I love seeing your happy faces–and especially enjoyed you waving at me from the boat! : ) And, Margaret, you did a great job with your little “segment”– with the cute black and white cat in the background.

    I just love watching for you on the blog–so nice to get to see you everyday. I look forward to seeing you in tomorrow’s adventures.

    Love and prayers, Tessie

  • Joe and Rhonda Grabinski says:

    Hello again to our sister Sue!

    We have been enjoying all of the daily stories and videos. You’re probably not aware of it, but there is some really neat background music, including mid-eastern, that accompanies the videos….. nice touch. We hadn’t realized the extensive beauty of the land of Israel. It has really been an eye-opener. Also amazed at all the churches and shrines that have been built at the historic sites. It is always enjoyable to see you smiling and waving in the videos, so keep up the good effort. We can see that you are really enjoying yourself. The pictures of your meals are REALLY impressive. We would love to be chowing down with you at all those great restaurants, but had to resort to next best thing…… throwing some ribs on the grill this afternoon. Not as exotic, but still satisfying. BTW, at a couple of the churches and shrines we saw your group singing hymns from song sheets. Are those the ones that you took along, or were they provided at the sites? Wow! You have a lot to tell us about when you get back home. We could probably keep you talking for days! Keep that voice tuned up! Looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Joe and Rhonda

  • Scott McKinney says:

    Grandma Judy and Grandpa Harold,

    Minnie and I really like the video. I really like grandpa’s hat too. Did the boat on the sea of Galilee splash on the water? I really love you!

    Devan (and the other kids)

  • Lucien Bechard says:

    I wanted to give a huge shout out to my friend Robyn! Hope you are having a blast!

    I miss Steve and Janet so much! I had such a great pilgrimage last week with you guys.

    Also, wanted to tell my buddies Amer and Asalm that I love them and miss them.

    Keep protecting God’s land friends. I LOVE and miss you all!

    Until we meet again…

  • Libby Shortner says:

    I’m happy to see that you are at the mid-point of your journey, and everyone is still smiling and looking quite energetic. You must be having a wonderful time! And it seems that you are learning quite a lot as well. What a fabulous adventure! I am continuing to pray for all of you.

    Love to Mom and Dad (Debbie and Billy Shortner)! Miss you!
    Libby

  • Tammy Croteau says:

    Hi Mom & Dad Nene & Grampy,
    Hope you are enjoying your trip. Liked the video of you renewing your vows. Happy anniversary.

    Love,
    Tammy, David Adriana & Cristian

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