Resilience
Archbishop Hosam Naoum joined the trustees and staff of the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem last weekend in New York City and preached at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Drawing from the parable of the persistent widow to the unjust judge, Archbishop Hosam likened the people of Gaza to the persistent widow who did not lose heart. He said the people of Gaza and throughout the Holy Land possess strength to persevere in the face of adversity. They possess “sumud”, the Arabic word for a steadfast, active resilience.
For example, Archbishop Hosam noted that even when Israeli missiles destroyed the Emergency Department of Ahli Hospital in Gaza, the faithful medical professionals established a tent and a temporary Emergency Unit to heal the wounded. He said the leaders of this Christian hospital live in hope because they live life with Jesus Christ. Their commitment to faith in action spreads God’s love to everyone in the community. In the midst of horrific conditions, they heal, they serve, they bear witness to the unconditional love of Jesus.
Archbishop Hosam affirms the importance of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The small Christian communities and the humanitarian ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem are Christ’s hands, feet, and heart in the very land where Jesus lived, died, and rose again. Gently, lovingly, this Christian presence lavishes the love of Jesus on all of God’s people.
Although the current ceasefire remains fragile, children of Abraham in the Holy Land retain “sumud”, a profound resilience to persevere. They believe deep in their hearts that God’s grace and justice will prevail.
I offer a collect for Peace (BCP, p. 258):
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
God’s peace, Judy Q +
