We visited the Church built just above the hill overlooking a plain where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount/Plain. Before our tour guide finished his introduction to the site, a choir also there on pilgrimage sang a beautiful melody. Eventually we made it through the Church and to the site where this picture was taken.
Historical Background: Mussolini of Italy built this Church of the Sermon on the Mount in 1938. It was a replacement of a chapel that had been abandoned in the 7th century. It is octagonal and is made of local, black basalt stone, except for the arches, which are of white stone from Nazareth. Its eight-sided shape symbolizes the eight Beatitudes. The gardens outside the church are ideal for tranquil reflection and the panorama offers an encompassing view of the Sea of Galilee and the region of Jesus' ministry.
THE BEATITUDES (Matthew 5: 1-20)
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
One of the members of our group read the Beatitudes and we prayed together.
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