01-16-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 16, 2025
When I wrote yesterday’s Etching, I was filled with hope for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. However, I must admit that my usual skepticism was trying to gain some traction. While the news from last night is both exciting and promising, we mustn’t forget that the finish line remains in the distance. Even if the ceasefire is recognized and both sides fulfill their commitments, profound pain and distrust deeply resonate within the souls of many. Regardless of how one argues or justifies the violence over the past two and a half years, the trauma experienced by countless individuals must be acknowledged. A process, both personal and communal, must be established to address this collective trauma. Otherwise, the pain will only grow and spill over into acts of revenge. Religion has too often chosen to take the side of violence, offering approval and God’s blessing upon war. But most religions, at their core, were inspired by people of peace who were looking to heal the human soul from the hurts and insecurities that too often were the catalysts for violence. In this moment, I am praying for religious leaders, psychotherapists, and those who specialize in conflict resolution, to begin preparing for the next step. What South Africa did in the mid-90s, though not perfect, is a starting place for healing to begin. As a person of faith, I must believe it is possible.

People of faith turn to you, O God who has taken the impossible and shaped it into a miracle. We do not approach such longstanding and deeply seeded trauma naively, yet you are the One who has made a way when there wasn’t one. Let us be agents of your restoration, reconciliation, and healing. Amen.