Extremist and radical uses of religion in political life does not only occur here in the United States or in countries such as Afghanistan or Iran, but also in Israel and the occupied West Bank. During the first weekend of 2023 vandals desecrated an historic Christian cemetery on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. Security camera footage showed two young men, one in a skullcap and the other wearing a tzitzit, the fringed stole worn by ultra-Orthodox Jews, overturning gravestones.
Many of us only think of Palestinians as Muslims, but a substantial number are Christian belonging to a variety of denominations. Over the past 20 years Christians have been leaving Palestine, largely due to the pressures they have faced from the radical right who now hold the balance of power in the new Israeli government.
Over this past decade, political life across the board has become increasingly polarized, which is not healthy for any nation or society. It almost seems as if people have lost their sense of tolerance and acceptance of anyone or anything different. This bodes ill for all of us, no matter our political allegiance or religious beliefs.
Prayer for the Day
Confusion and uncertainty bring temptations, O God,
To hold fast to intolerant thoughts and beliefs;
The world spins about us so quickly, O Lord,
That we cannot hold onto an anchor in the sea.
Enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective
So that we are able to live in a diverse world.
In the name of the One who is fearless,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.
- Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Muslim mystic (1207-1273)
Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice.
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Somali born, Dutch American human rights activist
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard,
The beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion,
For there the Lord ordained a blessing, life forevermore.
Psalm 133