11-07-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 7, 2023
Like many of you, I feel my heart breaking each day as I awaken to the violence between Israel and Palestine. It is a historic and complicated situation, yet nothing could justify the brutal attack back in early October. Yesterday, I came across a story about two men who were once very involved in the violence between Palestinians and Jews, yet both of them had dramatic transformations. They started an organization called Combatants for Peace, and it includes Jews, Muslims, Christians, and people of no faith. In an interview, one of the founders, Cheo Alon, said, “I feel such a deep sense of responsibility to hold on to humanity and hope.” I find those words to be so uplifting in what feels like an utterly hopeless situation. My prayer is that this organization and so many others seeking to find a way forward, even when many (understandably) have claimed it to be impossible, continue to do their faithful work. 

God, this world needs your help, probably a little more than usual, yet I am thankful for those who refuse to give up on hope and humanity. Wherever I can join in your sacred work of reconciliation, peacemaking, and true transformation, I surrender myself to your call. Amen.