Day 3 began with a visit to The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
The church is modern but stands on the site of 4th and 5th-century churches. Beneath the altar a Christian mosaic is preserved.
From there we continued on to the church of the Primacy of Peter, along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Representing the site of the Resurrection appearance of Jesus to the Apostles. After the breakfast of fish Jesus affirms Peter's love for him and commands him to "Feed my sheep."
From there we proceeded to the Church of the Beatitudes. We had the opportunity to celebrate mass at one of the outside altars. The mass was offered for our nation as the results of the presidential election were finalized.
The remains of the ancient village of Capernaum, the hometown of Peter and where Jesus himself lived as he began his public ministry.
We also had the thrilling experience of a boat ride on the sea of Galilee. It was an opportunity for some spiritual reflection upon the waters as well as a chance to enjoy some Israeli hospitality.
After lunch we traveled to Caesarea Philippi, situated 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee and at the base of Mt. Hermon. It is the location of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River. The abundant water supply made the area very fertile and attractive for religious worship. Numerous temples were built at this city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was in this city that Jesus famously asked his apostles, "Who do you say that I am."
The long day concluded with a visit to Magdala a unique Holy Land site with a first century city where the Jewish residents gathered in a synagogue where Jesus visited and taught. It is home to the beautiful church Duc In Altum, which provides a place for worship, mass, and prayer. Those involved in the excavation project as well as the church itself describe it as a mission to continue to foster peace and healing between Jews and Christians.
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