Tuesday, December 16, 2014

11/12/2014- English

The Israeli High Court verdict on the Cremisan Valley near Bethlehem is expected soon, thereby deciding the fate of the land of the Salesian Sisters Convent and school, monastery, and winery threatened by Israel’s separation barrier. If the barrier goes as planned, as much as 75 percent of this property will be illegally annexed to the Jerusalem side, cutting off those in the West Bank, and allowing for further illegal Jewish settlement expansion nearby.  God of justice, stop this unjust land grab that will make a two-state solution even more difficult to achieve.  Lord in your mercy…
 Lord, we are grateful that this week the International Criminal Court (ICC) officially accepted Palestine with observer status, a step towards Palestine joining the world’s permanent war crimes tribunal.  We are also grateful that recently the French parliament voted overwhelmingly to recognize the State of Palestine. Also, over 800 Israeli academics have called upon all European nations to recognize the State of Palestine and its right to self-determination.  God, we pray that the European parliament hears and acts upon this call.  Lord in your mercy… This week in Bethlehem, Ramallah and other Palestinian towns and cities, Christmas tree lightings were held for the whole community to enjoy, including the many Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ.  As we reflect on Advent and the love of God, we pray that the pilgrims’ eyes will be opened to the reality around them, where the Palestinians suffer from occupation and oppression by the State of Israel.  We pray that your love will give light to the darkness.  Lord in your mercy… Lord, we continue to pray for preparations for our annual ecumenical Christmas dinner on December 19th .  We also pray for our upcoming Board meeting in Jerusalem and our Nazareth programs, including a community event with Bishop George Bak’ouni of the Melkite Church and a women’s meeting for Advent with Father Elie Kurzum from the Catholic Church. Lord in your mercy…
 We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal.  Lord in your mercy…
x



No comments:

Post a Comment