Mohammed
Bakri, a beloved and renowned Palestinian actor and filmmaker, died
last week at age 72. Mohammed Bakri was one of the most influential
voices in Palestinian cinema; he appeared in more than 40 films and
directed several documentaries directly challenging Israeli narratives
and showcasing Palestinian voices to the world. During his life and
career, he faced legal battles over censorship, with Israel banning the
documentary Jenin. He is survived by his immediate family,
including his children Saleh, Ziad, Adam, Yafa, and Mahmood who followed
him into cinema.
Good
God, we pray for the family and friends of Mohammed Bakri. Grant peace
and comfort for his family as they grieve his loss. We
give gratitude for his legacy of nonviolent, creative resistance. Help
us so that in our own acts of creative nonviolent resistance, we do your
will on earth.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Pope
Leo XIV celebrated the first Christmas since his election by denouncing
the suffering of Gaza and by calling for peace in Ukraine. In his
traditional "Urbi et Orbi'' address, he urged the
faithful to embody the solidarity of God’s incarnation: "In becoming
man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of
us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the
inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty,
like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to
seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross
the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent.”
Emmanuel,
we thank you for the many prophetic voices within the Church that
remind us that faith belongs to you and must be lived personally and
communally for the liberation of the world. Help us to welcome the
incarnation of your Love in our midst, so that we may be revolutionary
embodiments of your hope in every place that is yearning for justice. In
the face of worldwide suffering, we pray for peace, truth, and justice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Children
in Gaza are dying from the harsh winter and storms. Last
week, infant Aisha al Qassas died from the cold. So far, at least 16
Palestinians have died due to heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, and
damaged buildings in Gaza in recent days. Aid trucks that could provide
more secure shelter are limited from entering Gaza.
Holy
God, we recall how you took the form of a refugee child, fleeing from
Bethlehem across Gaza and into Egypt. You are no stranger to
the apathy of empire. In these days where death and grief are constant,
we cry out to you who knows the name of every soul in Gaza. We pray for
the family of Aisha and those mourning loved ones. Bring your warmth and
justice to the people of Gaza and all who are suffering under the yoke
of oppression.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We
remember in our prayers this week all who are incarcerated
and separated from their loved ones during what should be a
joyful Christmas season. We especially lift Layan Nasir, who
is currently serving an unjust 7-and-a-half-month sentence at Ofer
Prison, and more than 11,000 Palestinian prisoners along with her
suffering from torture and neglect in Israeli prisons. We also lift
political prisoners, especially the imprisoned “Filton 24” activists and
hunger strikers in the UK who were imprisoned for protesting their
government’s complicity.
Crucified
Messiah, we grieve the existence of occupation walls, cages, and
prisons that defile the inherent dignity that you gifted us and that
separate families from one another. In our despair at overwhelming
injustice, our only comfort is knowing you dwell alongside the
prisoners, the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed. Make your
presence known to them. Embolden us to make peace and liberation a
reality for all.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Despite
the escalation of settler violence and settlement expansion, it is
important to remember that international support continues to help
protect communities under threat. For example, the Kisiya family, a
Palestinian Christian family, recently won a legal action against
settlers illegally residing on the family's land in Al Makhrour. The
Tent of Nations, a Palestinian farm situated in a settlement bloc near
Bethlehem, has received a steady influx of volunteers and visitors over
the last few months. Green Olive Collective launched their “Sowing
Solidarity” campaign to plant Palestinian trees. Jewish and
international activists continue doing protective presence in Um Al
Kheir and many other villages facing threats, decreasing risks
to communities and deterring many cases of violence.
Sovereign God, though
we stumble, we shall not fall headlong because you “hold us by the
hand.” (Psalm 37:24) We remember that no matter how overwhelming
injustice becomes, we must continue the good fight. Illuminate to us
where we can find new ways of bearing witness to creative resistance, so
that we may be like the persistent widow bothering unjust judges.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Japan, North Korea, and South Korea.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers.
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