As I begin this week’s blog, I ask for your prayers for the peoples of Israel. I have visited the Holy Land twice. I am heartbroken as the images I’ve seen over the past few days have forever changed the places I remember.
At this time, there are tour groups that are unable to return to their homelands as they take shelter throughout Israel, watching as the war unfolds around them. I have heard about one group from the United States that was interviewed early this morning. I am not sure who may be visiting the Holy Land from other places around the world. If they are able to speak with reporters from their homeland, I am certain each one is sharing a similar story of shock and fear.
There are also Christians who are caretakers of the holy places that are part of our faith’s history. Whether they are at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, they too are at the heart of this conflict.
All people are God’s creation. We are all part of the same family. The suffering that we have witnessed and heard, recounted from both Jewish and Palestinian families, calls all of us to turn to our Lord, praying for a way forward that doesn’t result in more deaths, destruction and devastation.
I have found some solace with Psalm 46. May these or other passages in the Bible help each of us know that God is with the peoples who call Israel and Gaza home, as well as everyone around the world who is watching. God be with you. And Amen.