Dear Friends,

The Sea of Galilee is the remarkable stage in which Jesus chose to carry out many of his gospel teachings. The majority of them have one thing in common: Man’s capacity is limited and must turn to the power of God. We see this theme being taught clearly on the night of the storm. As strong winds and waves threatened and frightened the apostles on the boat of sinking; Jesus appears walking on water, calmly, and as if unaware of his surroundings.

The reaction of the apostles, in this and other episodes, is almost always the same: impotence, surprise, and awe of His might.

This year we have had the blessing of receiving record rainfall in the Galilee. The lake has reached a level not seen in the past 20 years. It is for this reason that we are able catch glimpses of Jesus’ teaching on the Sea and be reminded of the gospel recounting the strong waves, high winds and rising tide.

To those visitors coming to the Galilee in the coming months I urge to notice the level of the lake, admire its beauty, and its strength which at times can become destructive… This lake which so often looks calm, can suddenly rage to scare us. We could foresee this rainy season as early as October as we started this period with an unusually strong sandstorm which took everyone by surprise.

In the midst of it all, and as storms approach, we remember Jesus teaching: “There, were human strength reaches its limit, God’s might and power appears, His love and Providence.”

I hope you enjoy the images of the lake and pray that they too can help you meditate and reflect in those profound gospel teachings which remind us how Jesus simply instructed the wind and calmed it.

From Magdala we send you all a very heartfelt greeting and wish you the beginning of a fruitful Lenten season.

Fraternally yours,

Fr. Juan María Solana, L.C.