Tabgha

This blog is a continuation of the recent entry on the Tour of Israel in late May to early June 2014 (Read here). 

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Tabgha became a pilgrimage site because of a rock outcrop believed to be where Jesus prepared a meal for some of his disciples after his resurrection. Jesus was crucified and buried in Jerusalem. After his resurrection, this is one of the places he appeared. Tabgha, is a mere 3 Km away from Capernaum dubbed the town of Jesus, where he had spent much of his life (John 21:1-17). Tabgha at the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is 125 Km away from Jerusalem.

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Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. He said, "Throw you net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciples whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from the shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared asked him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 

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According to the story, it was at the breakfast that Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my sheep.", after asking him three times, "Do you love me more than this?" 

In commemorating the legacy of Peter, the Church of Primacy of St. Peter was built at this very location in 1933 over an earlier 4th century church. The bedrock outcrop believed to be where Jesus served the breakfast is now inside the Church next to the altar.

Briefing and getting ready to visit the Church.

Church of Primacy of St. Peter. Captured from Google Map.

Side view of the Church taken on 28 May 2014
during our visit.

Rock outcrop inside the Church.

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After the visit to the Church, many took a stroll along the shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus was believed to have walked. Suddenly, someone suggested throwing stones over the water surface. Was it an instant fun act or a ritual to mimic what many do at the Sea of Galilee?

Much later, I discovered that throwing stones has significance to some people. Each piece of stone may represent a long-held unforgiveness toward family members or someone. Some of the stones signify unfulfilled hopes and dreams. Some throwers consider the ritual to be a release of emotional and spiritual burden from their hearts. To some, the shore where Jesus once walked should be the most appropriate place to finally let go.

At the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Throwing stones at at the Sea of Galilee.