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AEI-Open Windows Activities
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Ecumenical
worship at the Shepherd's Field
"Keeping Watch at
Bethlehem: A Service of Hope for
Peace"
April 29, 2008 |
On Tuesday
April 29th, 2008, AEI-Open
Windows participated in the ecumenical
worship at the Shepherd's Field Ecumenical
Chapel in Beit Sahour, called "Keeping Watch
at Bethlehem: A Service of Hope for Peace".
It was conducted by Church leaders from
Ireland on their solidarity and peace
pilgrimage to the Holy Land as well as
church leaders from Palestine.
A strong spirit
prevailed during the service, not only because
it was ecumenical, but also because there were
international and local religious leaders as
well as local Christians from Bethlehem.
Furthermore, youths were asked to share their
reflections and hopes; AEI was asked to prepare
a reflection entitled "It's Time for Love". Mr.
Fuad Giacaman – AEI General Director and his
assistant –Mr. Anton Murra- prepared the
reflection and the latter pronounced it in the
service. These are the words of the reflection
"God, you
intend for us to live. This is known to every
human being as God's will. Jesus taught us that
it is God's will for us to love our neighbor.
When Jesus was asked which is the greatest of
God's commandment, He replied: "You shall love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul, and with all your mind. This is
the greatest commandment. And the second is like
it; you shall love your neighbor as yourself."
(Mathew 22:37-39).
As in the Good
Samaritan parable, Jesus gave us the good
example of the Samaritan who showed mercy and
compassion to his enemy. Today, Jesus asks us to
"Go and do like wise" (Luke 10:30-37). The Good
Samaritan is a significant example of racial,
religious and political conflict. In fact it is
similar to our situation as Palestinians, in
which we have been under occupation for more
than 40 years, yet we haven't achieved our
national rights in justice, peace, freedom, and
security. On the 60th anniversary of the Nakba,
we must work hard to reach a just and peaceful
reconciliation with our enemy; the Israeli
occupation, based on the international and
humanitarian laws and the United Nations
Resolutions.
The Good
Samaritan asks us to have compassion for those
who suffer all over the world especially our
besieged people in Gaza who are affected by the
loss of hope and security. As followers of our
Lord Jesus we should love all people even our
enemies. This is what you have urged us, our
Lord; through your teachings "Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27). I
don't think that God calls us to accept our
enemies' trespasses, but to help them realize
the pain they cause to others, and to forgive
them. My Lord, help me to do good to those who
hate me. Teach me how to forgive them. Let me
not respond with hatred toward those who abuse
me.
It is time,
when we all should give ourselves generously to
sincere dialogue and cooperation and inspire all
people through countless small acts of love,
understanding, compassion and trust. Then we can
be instruments of peace for the whole human
family.
Lord, make me
an instrument of your peace; where there is
hatred, let me sow love"
The worship was
followed by a festive dinner accompanied by a
lovely Dabka (Palestinian Traditional
Dance)
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