The oldest surviving map of the Holy Land

St George's Greek Orthodox church houses a treasure for all Christians. In 1884, Christian builders came across the remnants of an old Byzantine church on their construction site.

In the rubble, having survived wilful destruction, fire and neglect, the mosaic flooring they discovered was of immense significance.  To this day, this mosaic, which in it's original form, was made from at least 2 million individual tiles, can be viewed at Madaba.

This mosaic map represents the oldest map of Palestine in existence and provides many historical insights into the region.

It is often said that we should do little things with great love.  I imagine the mosaic artists did not believe that their artwork would still be viewed and admired almost 1500 years after construction. With patience and faith, what small things could you do in your life with great love, especially this Lent?