Dcn Tom Lindell

Psalm 122

My Brothers and Sisters,

1 I was glad when they said to me, * "Let us go to the house of the Lord."
2 Now our feet are standing * within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at unity with itself;
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: * "May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls * and quietness within your towers.

I too am preoccupied with news emanating from Israel and Gaza. I visited Israel in 1997 while on sabbatical, staying in a guest room at St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem. It happened to be the 30th anniversary of the 1967 war where the borders of the city were significantly expanded. A ring road was subsequently built around that perimeter, where numerous Israeli settlements have since been built. At that time, there was a significant movement touting “Two States for Two Nations.” That was 26 years ago and we are still hopeful that some accommodation for a two-state solution can be accomplished.

Verse 3 of Psalm 122 states: “Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself;” If only this were true. Jews, Christians, and Islam all lay claim to parts of the Old City. Even various Christian sects spar over space within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the presumed site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Verse 6 states: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers.” If you are aware of what you experience in Jerusalem, tension rather than peace is palpable.

As we enter the season of Advent this year, we are reminded of the continuation of a “no win” situation where there can be no winners. All sides incur significant losses. As a result, it is difficult to settle into a contemplative time of anticipation in this war-like environment. May cooler heads prevail in the period to follow.

As for me, I will once again assemble my mother’s crèche on the mantle as our personal reminder of a humble birth that ultimately impacted the lives of billions of people over the centuries. Yet, the Christianity that resulted reveals some significant conflict over how to interpret Scripture. Why does belief have to be so complicated?

—Dcn Tom