“Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.” (Luke 9:10)

“Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.” (Luke 9:10)

Bethsaida was a small fishing community on the northernmost tip of the Sea of Galilee and served as one of Jesus’ frequent stops during His Galilean ministry. Its name literally means House of Fish or House of Fishing. In fact, the Hebrew letter Beth is used to designate "House of." Therefore, Bethel means House of God, Bethlehem means House of Bread, Bethany means House of Dates, Bethpage means House of unripe Figs, and Bethesda means House of Grace.

Fr. John