Magdala and the Sea

We began our day early, eating breakfast at 6:30 so that we could be on the road by 7 to meet with Claudia who was going to show us around a newly excavated site (began JUST 4 years ago!)  a company was building a hotel type building, so that the parking lot for the property needed to be built.  However, in the process of breaking the ground to do so, the workers discovered ruins, and after calling the Antiquities department of Israel (required by law) the project builders had to postpone their plans to build, and instead began their exciting archaeological dig.

Pillars from Magdala

 These specialists found the town called Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene whom we all have grown to love through reading scriptures and who treasured the One we call Messiah.  They discovered that this site (in the continual process of being uncovered and advertised...) was from the first century, 2000 years ago, because a coin was discovered with a picture of Tiberius's profile as well as the date.  Truly an amazing discovery, another fact that cannot be ignored is the location of this town between Nazareth and Jerusalem: in order for Jesus to be faithful as a

 Jew in his travels, he must stop for his second prayer

around 2 O'clock.  This means that by the time the later afternoon rolled around, Jesus would have been near Magdala-- This is the place Jesus would have stopped to pray to his Abba.  THAT is INCREDIBLE.  we got to sit on the very place and likely steps that Jesus must have been worshipping in.  This was a once in a lifetime experience that many will never receive. Our team was very privileged to be visiting the incredible site of Magdala at the same time a certain Father John (from Mexico and the Notre-Dame Center in Jerusalem) was.  This priest is the executive man in charge of everything that is being done to allow this incredible find to be shown to other pilgrims.  Father John invited us to step into the site and actually have a prayer in a first century, 2000 year-old synagogue that our Lord had used.

Claudia showing us the painted original column!

Father John felt moved to show us the church that he is building right off this beautifully amazing historical and more importantly biblical site that is dedicated to Mary Magdalene as well as the other women in the bible who followed Jesus Christ unswervingly, providing instruments of models for many women and men today.  It was something that I know all of our group found touching (especially Nicole, Meg, and I :) ).  The building is going to be magnificent: overlooking the town of Magdalene with the Majestic Sea of Galilee just off in the distance of the sanctuary.

The whole area is being excavated as well as being built (in the church's case) based on donations and volunteers alone.  An incredible feat, but one that is being accomplished each day, one step at a time!  This church, this vision is something that I along with many i am sure, find empowering, unique, and bold.  But also SO perfect in terms of it being in such close proximity with Magdala the home of a beautifully devout and faithful servant, Mary: always supporting, always listening, as well as experiencing life as a believer and follower of the Prince of Peace.

Mark, Nicole, Meg, and Jonny (the students)

...and most importantly what kind of day spent in Galilee could be complete without sailing on THE Sea of Galilee, the one that the disciples had so many challenging and forming experiences on with Jesus.


 Well we DEFINITELY didn't skip out on any opportunities.  Lastly we got to see an exhibit about the Jesus Boat that was discovered sunken into the sea floor of the Sea of Galilee. It was amazing to see how they moved it and the steps that the professionals went through to date it and learn as much as they could about it.  All in all.  A VERY good day.