das Fischmosaik in der Brotvermehrungskirche
Below Sea Level
Admittedly, Tabgha is not the lowest point on earth, but the area around the Sea of Galilee, which is 200m below sea level, is certainly one of the most low-lying populated regions. Only to the south of Tabgha, along the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, do people live at a lower elevation. While these areas are mainly desert terrain, the area around the lake has much water and remains green and in bloom most of the year.
Tabgha: Seven Springs
According to tradition, seven springs had their source in a relatively small area at the northwestern corner of the lake. The gospel of John tells us, “there was plenty of grass in that place.” At a later date the place was called Seven Springs, from the Greek Heptagon. In the course of time and under the influence of language changes, the place came to be known as “Tabgha.”
The “Evangelical Triangle”
Tabgha is situated among the main places connected to the ministry of Jesus, his healings and miracles, his parables and great sermons. These include the town of Capernaum, the Mt. of Beatitudes, the site on the lake shore, where Jesus after his resurrection appeared to the disciples (according to John 21), as well as Magdala, Chorazin, and Bethsaida.
God’s Mercy Comes to the People
According to the Christian faith God became flesh. In the person of Jesus, he descended from heaven, grew up in Nazareth in the hills of Galilee (half an hour’s drive from Tabgha), then descended further to the Sea of Galilee, (from about 300 meters above sea level to 200 meters below). It would have been nearly impossible to go down any further. Here God met men and turned to them in their sick and wounded bodies and souls. At the seven springs, God took pity on the many who were gathered there.
This is the site of our monastery, the place where we live, pray, and work.
Two and Five, Five Thousand and Twelve
The disciples had very little to hand out when Jesus asked them to feed the multitude, only two fish and five loaves. They wanted to send the people to the surrounding villages, but Jesus did not agree. The people were asked to sit down on the grass. He took the two fish and five loaves, gave thanks to the Father, blessed the food and let it be handed out.
Everyone ate and was satisfied. Five thousand people had gathered, and there was enough for all, with some to spare. Even more – the disciples filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces.
Sharing
Twelve is the all encompassing number; twelve tribes constitute the ancient people of Israel, twelve apostles are the foundation of the church, twelve gates lead into the heavenly Jerusalem. Wherever people share with each other in the name of Jesus, be it their food, their time, or their life, there is enough, even more than enough. Sometimes we think we have very little, when in reality we have plenty.