Precious gifts

I was trying to come up with a title for today’s blog, referring to the events of the day ~ a day with more new places, and precious gifts: personal reflections, laughter, trusting conversations, generous welcome.

Awaking to another beautiful morning in Galilee, it was impossible to resist the opportunity of a third swim in 24 hours ~ and sadly the last. 

The morning’s programme allowed us some free time before we gathered for Eucharist at 11am. I relished simply being able to sit on the terrace overlooking the Sea of Galilee, journalling and syncing ~ there’s just so much to reflect on!

We celebrated holy communion together by the lake shore, the gorgeous sound of lapping water as our backdrop, a simple rock our altar. After a brief homily, space was offered so any could share ~ particularly sharing what we will take home with us. 

This time was one of the precious gift today, as those who spoke talked so honestly and openly. I didn’t speak, but the word that came to mind instantly was solidarity. Most of us on the course didn’t know anybody, or perhaps one other person; we are in international group of mainly women; each of us seeking to follow the vocation God has called us to; I think all of us in some form of leadership, which can be incredibly isolating and lonely. The friendships formed and strengthened this week are a precious gift ~ we’ll go separate ways in a few days time, and stand together. Oh there’s so much I could say… that’ll do for now!

After lunch at Pilgerhaus, where we’d been staying, we loaded up the bus and headed off. The first stop just a few minutes around the shoreline to visit ancient Magdala / Migdal. It was fascinating to learn the archaeological remains of Magdala have only very recently been discovered; that until a few years ago, some scholars thought it didn’t exist. Well it does ~ I’ve been there!

The most remarkable things about site is the remains of a first century synagogue, which we took time to look at. Removed on to visit the stunning new church, which has the most beautiful altar shaped as a first century fishing boat, placed in front of us huge window overlooking the sea of Galilee. There are also beautiful contemporary mosaics, and, in the downstairs chapel, which we used for reflection, an amazing, large piece, portraying, the woman who’d been bleeding for 12 years, touching the hem of Jesus’ cloak.

Paula, once again, gave fantastic insights and teaching about synagogues in the first century, Magdala the place, and particularly of course, Mary Magdalene. 

As our time drew to a close, given that it was extremely hot and humid, there was time for drinks and ice cream before the journey back to Jerusalem. We headed south along the Jordan Valley, enjoying the stark landscape.

 

All was well until, just 20 minutes from the college, after two hours travelling, something went wrong with the bus and the driver pulled over. Amazingly, within 10 minutes of stopping, he’d arranged for another coach to stop and pick us up and drop us at the college. The group on the coach, some at least from Moldova, were incredibly welcoming and generous.

So we got back to the college in Jerusalem, our luggage following a couple of hours later! Having no toiletries, there was nothing else to do, but head for the bar… which wasn’t open! This was soon resolved, and the group spent the evening chatting, having dinner, drinking lovely wine. Some of these conversations were very lighthearted, with lots of laughter; and some of our conversations were much tougher, sharing painful, and challenging situations, trusting each other with these deeply personal matters. Both kinds of conversation were precious gifts.