11/25/12 – Mt. of Beatitudes courtesy of the Italians

Our next destination was the Mount of Beatitudes, essentially the New Testaments commandments as delivered by Jesus.  People know them by their common beginning “Blessed are the…”  It was Jesus’ delivery of the Beatitudes that is referred to as his Sermon on the Mount.

Chapel on the Mount

The interesting thing about the Mount of Beatitudes is that it doesn’t actually sit on a mountain.  Even more interesting, it isn’t in its original location.  The monument is located on a property purchased and maintained by the Italian government of Mussolini (technically the Italian people).  The location was switched because it looked better and offered a better view of the Sea of Galilee.  The original location is now likely covered by a banana plantation since they’re highly concentrated in this part of the country.

Dad gets ready to read

Evangelical Nigerians worshiping loudly

Our group found a quiet spot to recite a recent interpretation of the Beatitudes but part way through the reading a group of evangelical Nigerians who had gathered close by (the same group that was staying in our hotel) began to praise the name of Jesus…loudly.  I quite enjoyed their passion, but it was the complete opposite of Sr. Jocelyn’s chosen theme.

Our group paused and allowed the evangelicals to finish.  Then it was dad’s turn to recite a passage.  Real location or not, I know it was a special moment for him.