whitebeard

Don't curse the darkness, light a candle.

basic forms of dialogue
 the path of justice.

What brought me to Jerusalem?

 When people ask me why I chose to live in Jerusalem, I answer that I don't know. It was the Holy Spirit. There are inspirations for which one cannot give logical reasons. I always recollect that passage from the Acts of the Apostles in chapter 20, in which Paul tells the elders of Ephesus and Miletus: "I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what shall befall me there." I have let myself be drawn in by these words and by this power of the Spirit.

My life here is very good, and I am very happy to be here, because Jerusalem is truly a place of extraordinary symbolism, it is a place in which one breathes biblical history, from the patriarchs to the prophets to Jesus and His passion, death, and resurrection. It is a place full of fascination for the Christian, for the believer, because Jesus was here, this is the land He saw, the sky He contemplated, the stones He tread upon, the places where He spilled His blood, the places in which the word was spread: "He is risen." I find continual inspiration here for my prayer and meditation.

I live, moreover, that prayer defined as intercession, in the etymological sense of the word. I "walk among" different contenders without wanting to agree or disagree with any of them, but praying equally for all. The political situation today is so intricate and entangled that even a competent person would find it difficult to explain objectively what has happened, why, and how. I don't know Arabic; I understand biblical Hebrew, but not the modern kind. I don't have the credentials to judge. I prefer [...] to put into practice the words of Jesus: "Judge not, and you will not be judged." It is difficult to say: "That one suffers more, this one suffers more." Who will begin to list the rights and wrongs? They extend to infinity. And there is no exit without some new step.

On the other hand, this is not only a place of conflict, it is above all a place of dialogue. Many basic forms of dialogue are carried out: dialogue between Jews and Christians, between Jews and Muslims, three-way dialogue among Jews, Muslims, and Christians. There are many institutions in Jerusalem that cultivate these forms of dialogue. And there are also many initiatives of welcome, forgiveness, reconciliation, help, assistance, volunteerism. That is truly extraordinary.

Some time ago I met two persons who are well known in the professional life of this country, one Jewish and one Arab. Both have mourned the effects of violence on their families, and they decided to get together to understand each other's suffering. Thus was born a group of families, each of which has a son or daughter killed by terrorism, war, etc. These families meet regularly, speaking together and promoting peace initiatives.

In my view this is the way, the path of justice. Justice must be rendered to those who deserve justice, and many are crying out because they deserve justice

Found here

 

posted by: Whitebeard at 07:32 | link | comments |