Page 25 - Holyland Magazing - Catholic Edition 2016
P. 25
The Ancient Boat The Yigal
in Ginosar Allon Center.
Photo: www.
A glimpse into the past that offers insights for the future goisrael.
com
A boat from the time of Jesus in Ginosar Sunrise on the Ginosar shore
By Omer Eshel This event commemorates one of the tests We cannot say with any certainty that this
that Jesus had put His disciples through, boat was used by Jesus and His disciples,
A cool gentle breeze is blowing on the a test that made their faith stronger, that but we can say that whoever used this boat
Sea of Galilee. Peter, Andrew, James opened their eyes and more importantly – lived at the same time as Jesus and was
and their friends are returning home opened their hearts. most likely one of the multitudes.
to Capernaum.
In 1986, an amazing archeological discovery In 2014, when Pope Francis went on a
Suddenly, the wind picks up and the waves was made on the shores of the Sea of pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he chose a
start getting stronger and stronger. The little Galilee – an ancient fishing boat was found unique logo which features two bearded
boat is fighting its way across the mighty in Ginosar, a boat which is dated to the time men in a fishing boat. These two men
waves. In a few brief moments, they will all of Jesus. represent the first two disciples of Jesus,
surely drown! Saint Peter and Saint Andrew. Depicted as
The boat is now on display in the complex they embrace, the message connected to
Peter calls out to Jesus, “Teacher, do you not of Beit Yigal Alon museum and Hotel Nof them is one of unity, as the first represents
care that we are perishing? Then He arose Gonosar on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. the Church of Rome and the second the
and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Church of Constantinople.
“Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and This discovery is exceptional, as wood does
there was a great calm. But He said to them, not last for such a long period of time in Maybe this is another test, a test for us today
“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you fresh water, but despite this, the boat is to look straight into the past, to stand right in
have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, virtually complete. front of that 2000-year-old fishing boat and
and said to one another, “Who can this be, say, “I have faith! And He - will calm my storm!
that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” He - will bring peace. He – will guide my soul!”
(Mark 4:39-41)
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