From the Rector: Holy Land Response
Dear St. James Parish Family,
It is most difficult and painful to witness the images of violence, loss and destruction that are taking place across the Holy Land. In particular, we are all horrified to see the manner by which innocent individuals, children and families have been brutally and senselessly pulled into this tragedy. It is heartbreaking, pure and simple.
The millennia-old and catastrophic animosity fueling this war is beyond any easy understanding or seemingly rational solution. It may feel impossible, even now, to know how to respond in a faithful and intentional manner. May I offer a few places from which to begin?
First, I encourage all of us to pray regularly. I invite you to pray with all of your hearts and minds for an end to this conflict, and for peace to prevail. In the outline of our faith, we honor that prayer is “responding to God, by thought and by deeds, with or without words.” (Book of Common Prayer, page 856). In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul reminds us - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). As Christians, we are grounded as people of prayer, and we trust that God will see and hear us.
Second, may we remember our firm belief that all of humanity has been created in the image of God. So, within the covenant of our own Episcopal traditions, let us stand resolute in our baptismal covenant, with God’s help, to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human being.
Third, let us acknowledge together that this unfettered violence is very personal to many in our own Wilmington community. I have witnessed stories this week of grieving and fearful neighbors in our own circles who know and love individuals that have been killed, or taken hostage or had their homes and livelihoods destroyed. Please be open to those in our community who are connected by culture, religion, tradition or family ties to all that is happening in the Holy Land. Your compassion and care is an extension of Christ’s love, and I assure you it will be most appreciated.
Fourth, please remember that the prevalence of media and conversation make this current crisis particularly unsettling and confusing to our children. We are all encouraged to be present with the young people in our midst, to pay attention to how and where they are receiving images and news, and to note the effect it may be having on them. UNICEF has offered a thoughtful resource (link here) for talking with children about conflict and war, which I find helpful for adults as well. Talk with your children, and talk with one another. We are not alone.
Finally, and importantly, may we be grateful for all of the remarkable blessings of life we encounter this day, remembering that all we have is a gift from God. Indeed, life is a precious thing.
Please remember that the clergy of St. James are here for you. Feel free to call on us.
Faithfully, and with love,
Phillip
[email protected]
A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis
Amen. (BCP 833).
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is directly supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, providing immediate medicine and other supplies to help their partners tend to the physical and psychosocial wounds of this conflict.