When we arrived at the Pilgerhaus (Pilgrim House), on the Sea of Galilee, my breath nearly stopped. This fresh-water lake is absolutely gorgeous, especially as the mist partially obscures the other shore. The Pilgerhaus is located near the traditional site of the Multiplication (where Jesus spoke to the hungry crowds, and the few pieces of bread and fish multiplied and fed the crowd).
The lake itself is rocky, but the water is fresh and delicious (especially after having gone through the water treatment facility, conveniently located by the altar and sacred space). Our tour guide pointed out that there were very few boats on the water today (due to environmental concerns) but that there would also have been very few boats on the water in Jesus' day, because wood for the boats would have to be imported from Lebanon, to the North. Also imported: the mosaic tiles for wealthy homes. These mosaics are impressive, both for their intricacy of design as well as their lasting color. This is the "Mona Lisa" of the city of Zappori:
Going back to the boats for a minute: the fact that they owned or worked on boats would mean that Peter and the other Fishermen apostles were rather wealthy. James and John especially, since their father owned the boat, would have been in a much higher wealth category than we often imagine.
Jesus, on the other hand, was from a much poorer background. Joseph may have been a builder/carpenter, but Mary's traditional home is literally a cave. A cozy cave, to be sure... but the buildings we think of as "ancient dwellings" would only have been for the rich, which Mary assuredly was not. This is a cave similar to Mary's traditional home, still showing its space for sleeping and animal care:
What does it change about your theology to know that Jesus and his apostles were from different economic classes? How often do you interact with others outside your status/class?
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