When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51)
Our Lenten journey is turning its face toward Holy Week, preparing our minds, hearts, and spirits for the journey to the cross and empty tomb.
As we prepare to do so, we are of course also surrounded by the news of the present violence in the land that Jesus knew as home. I believe the stories of Holy Week may rest more heavily on our hearts this year.
I have said relatively little about the October 7th attacks and the ensuing invasion of Gaza beyond a request for prayers. I pray daily for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages; for a ceasefire that permits Gazans to receive the food and medical supplies they so desperately need; and for the establishment of a trustworthy governing body for the Palestinian people that can lead to independence and self-determination for them, and peace and security for Israel. I pray for peace with justice and healing for all.
And I pray particularly for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and our siblings in Christ there.
The American Friends of the Diocese of Jerusalem launched a new curriculum about life in the region last fall; it pre-dates the attacks of October 7th but is still extremely insightful and useful. From their website:
“Bearing Witness is a free, video-based study program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world. A diverse group of Palestinians and Israelis share their stories to help us understand the realities of life in the Holy Land and the conditions that create the urgent need for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.”
You can learn more about the Bearing Witness curriculum HERE.
I invite our congregations to consider engaging with this resource; to listen, learn, and pay attention to the mosaic of stories and identities in the land we call Holy. Our Diocesan Staff will be taking up this curriculum in the coming months so that we too may listen, learn, pray, and act for justice and peace.