In a Violent and Desperate World

From Bethlehem...

Flames of war in the Holy Land–even inside the place where Christ was born–plunged all into terror and desperation. No one can remain indifferent. Following the witness of the Pope, let us pray for peace in the land whence came salvation for all men

Letter from the Holy Land
Our Only Hope
Dearest Father Giussani: It happened that after following the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, we decided to visit the town of Bethlehem. We found ourselves going through so much risk... from dreading soldiers who could shoot at any minute.… to Israeli checkpoints . We took many back roads and walked in valleys and up mountains. As we got near Bethlehem, our hearts sang O Little Town of Bethlehem, and as we entered the town we sang the rest of the song with tears and sadness…. “How still we see thee lie” and how demolished and how burnt. We heard the voices of the hungry and the homeless and the weeping children. We cried, “Lord Jesus, look upon your birthplace. You are our only hope. Hosanna, save us. Rescue those being led to death. What remains is our faith in You, Jesus, who are for the poor and misjudged.” As Christians and as people who speak aloud for justice, we call upon you to pray for peace in the Holy Land, for all peoplefor the victims of this unjust war and above all for the Christians of the Holy Land, that they will never become the forgotten faithful.
Blessed are the peace makers.
Samar, Najwa, and Rosario

Christian communities on every continent, with trepidation and hope I ask you to proclaim that Jesus is truly risen, and to work so that His peace may bring an end to the tragic sequence of atrocities and killings that bloody the Holy Land, plunged again in these very days into horror and despair. It seems that war has been declared on peace!
But nothing is resolved by war, it only brings greater suffering and death; nothing is resolved through reprisal and retaliation. This is a truly great tragedy–no one can remain silent and inactive, no political or religious leader! Denunciation must be followed by practical acts of solidarity that will help everyone to rediscover mutual respect and return to frank negotiation. In that Land Christ died and rose from the dead, and left the empty tomb as a silent but eloquent attestation. By breaking down in Himself the hostility, the dividing wall between people, He has reconciled all through the Cross (cf Eph 2:14-16), and now He commits us, His disciples, to remove every reason for hatred and revenge.
(Urbi et Orbi Message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II – Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002)

Today I invite you to pray especially for the inhabitants of Bethlehem, the city where Jesus was born, which at this time is going through a difficult moment and is in grave danger. Indeed, we are receiving sad and disturbing news of it that troubled the atmosphere of Easter Day, which should be a feast of peace, joy, and life.
The Pope is close to these brothers and sisters of ours with deep apprehension and suffering; so is the whole Church, which is praying and toiling to bring this painful Calvary to an end without delay.
(Regina Coeli – Easter Monday, April 1, 2002)