Our morning begins with a Eucharist for everyone on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. For many of us this just a short walk from the guesthouse - a pretty stroll through olive groves. The setting is truly memorable: we are seated on tree trunks, before a simple stone altar. The backdrop could not be more perfect: the sparkling sea, tranquil at this time of morning. Listen to hymn
The Gospel reading is from Luke (5:1-11). Jesus is teaching the crowds from a fishing boat. He tells Simon Peter to cast his nets on the other side - at which point the fishermen catch so many fish their nets begin to break. Simon Peter falls down at Jesus's knees, and declares himself a sinner. Bishop John tells us that, like Mary yesterday who said "yes" to God, this is the moment Simon, James and John make that life-changing decision to accept the call from Jesus. He reminds us that wholehearted acceptance of the Gospel will not necessarily be easy.
The Gospel reading is from Luke (5:1-11). Jesus is teaching the crowds from a fishing boat. He tells Simon Peter to cast his nets on the other side - at which point the fishermen catch so many fish their nets begin to break. Simon Peter falls down at Jesus's knees, and declares himself a sinner. Bishop John tells us that, like Mary yesterday who said "yes" to God, this is the moment Simon, James and John make that life-changing decision to accept the call from Jesus. He reminds us that wholehearted acceptance of the Gospel will not necessarily be easy.
Fishing boat
Next we go out on a fishing boat. The crew kindly raise a union flag in our honour and we find ourselves - a little bizarrely - standing to sing the national anthem. And then, in the middle of the lake, the captain silences the engine and we pause for a short act of worship. I now discover that this wasn't universal - at least one of the other parties swerved the flag raising for a bit of net spinning.
Jesus's calming of the waters was an act of authority, says Bishop John, as was the walking on the water. When Simon Peter went out to meet him, it required 100% surrender... and 100% trust. "As Christians, we are not spared from our problems," he says. We sing "Dear Lord and Father of mankind..." Could there be a better place to enjoy this hymn?
Later we look at an Ancient Galilee Boat that was excavated from the sea in 1986 and carefully raised. We watch a short film about its rescue and reconstruction and then walk around it. It is extraordinary to think that it has been dated back to the first centuries BCE/CE.
Next we go out on a fishing boat. The crew kindly raise a union flag in our honour and we find ourselves - a little bizarrely - standing to sing the national anthem. And then, in the middle of the lake, the captain silences the engine and we pause for a short act of worship. I now discover that this wasn't universal - at least one of the other parties swerved the flag raising for a bit of net spinning.
Jesus's calming of the waters was an act of authority, says Bishop John, as was the walking on the water. When Simon Peter went out to meet him, it required 100% surrender... and 100% trust. "As Christians, we are not spared from our problems," he says. We sing "Dear Lord and Father of mankind..." Could there be a better place to enjoy this hymn?
Later we look at an Ancient Galilee Boat that was excavated from the sea in 1986 and carefully raised. We watch a short film about its rescue and reconstruction and then walk around it. It is extraordinary to think that it has been dated back to the first centuries BCE/CE.
Loaves and fishes
The rest of the day takes in the Church of the Multiplication, when we remember God's extravagant generosity. "Nothing was wasted, and nothing we offer is ever wasted," says Bishop John. We visit the Mount of Beatitudes , where Bishop John reminds us that while the Beatitudes seem "topsy turvy" it is in fact we who are upside down and need to find a different way of living. "These things happen when Jesus is Lord."
At the lakeside Church of Peter's Primacy, we remember Peter's encounter with the risen Christ who asks him three times if he loves him, echoing the three times Peter denied Jesus. Jesus brings Peter back into the fold with love and gentleness, a reminder that Jesus loves us as the sinners we are. A statue shows Peter at Jesus's feet.
The day ends in Capernaum, in the church built over the ruins of what is said to be St Peter's house. Two groups listen to Tony Price, a lively storyteller, retelling one of Jesus's parables before exploring the ruins of the former fishing village.
Click on the images left to go to Flickr. You may download these images as a reminder of our pilgrimage together.
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