As Netanyahu launches the ground offensive in Gaza City, the priests, pastors, and those in the two t Christian churches are not leaving. Although Holy Family Catholic Church only dates from the 1860s, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius dates from the 5th century. Given orders to evacuate pending the offensive, they are staying put in order to care for the several hundred persons who are aged or infirm.
Granted, it’s not quite like Nero throwing Christians to the lions, but it’s close. Both churches have been attacked and Christians killed by snipers and tank fire. A third church, the Anglican Chapel of St. Philip, was forced to close last year. Obviously part of Hamas. Really? Simply part of Netanyahu’s desperate attempt to stay in power.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio, after the traditionally required visit to the Western Wall, went to a new archaeological site resulting in the destruction of Palestinian homes, and cast doubt on a “diplomatic solution: in Gaza. It’s pretty hard to have one while the IDF is bombing and killing. Are we nothing more than spectators in the Coliseum?
Prayer for the Day
Where are you, God, while sheltering in churches,
Your children are starved and killed?
Where are you, O Lord, while our leaders, stymied,
Fearful of political fallout, act like cowards?
We beg you, Merciful One, for life, not death,
But our prayers seem to stop at politics’ door.
In the name of the One who wept over Jerusalem,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It is time to end this spiral of violence, to put an end to war and to prioritize the common good of the people. There has been enough devastation, in the territories and in people’s lives. There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions.
Joint Statement by Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchies of Jerusalem
It’s obvious that Israel has no better ally than America. The American-Israeli alliance has never been as strong as it is now.
Benjamin Netanyahu on Marco Rubio’s visit
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? … Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul’s letter to the church in Rome 8:31