Kairos Palestine A Moment of Truth A word

Kairos Palestine A Moment of Truth A word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering Part Two: Hope excerpts

§ Our hope remains strong despite the lack of hope. § No quick solution & no change in our situation & suffering. § Israel refuses any solution – leaves no room for positive expectation. § Yet, because our hope is from God, it remains strong. § God’s goodness will be victorious over evil – some day!

What is the meaning of hope? Hope within us means our • • Faith in God Expectation for a better future Not chasing after illusions – release is not close at hand Hope means • • • capacity to see God in midst of trouble to be co-workers with the Holy Spirit within us

This vision gives us strength to § be steadfast § work to change the reality § not give in to evil, but stand up to it in spite of: o ruin & destruction all around us o strength of Israeli occupiers o growing racist separation o denial of our existence & dignity o confusion & division in our ranks

§ If we resist in the face of this reality and work hard, perhaps our destruction will not come about.

Signs of hope § Despite weakness & divisions within the Church, there are signs of hope o Vibrant parish communities o Young people working for peace & justice

Church institutions active in service, love & prayer § Numerous local centers of theology & growing ecumenical spirit § Growing inter-religious & inter faith (Jewish, Christian & Muslim) dialogue - perfected through suffering & trying to breach the walls separating us § Steadfastness of generations’ belief in justice & their Nakba memory & the growing awareness of Churches around the world § Palestinian readiness for reconciliation once justice is restored & Jewish & Israeli voices for peace & justice

§ All this is not yet able to transform our situation, but it may shorten our suffering and hasten reconciliation.

The mission of the Church § Our Church is people bearing the voice of God now & always in prophetic prayer & service. o The suffering we experience is all part of our prayer and service o Thank God our Church speaks against injustice

§ § The Church’s mission is prophetic § taking the side of the oppressed as Christ did § calling for repentance, life & restoration of human dignity The Church’s mission is to § proclaim God’s Kingdom of justice, peace & human dignity § bear witness to God’s goodness & dignity of all humans including adversaries

§ Church points to the Kingdom beyond any earthy kingdom § Therefore, religion must o promote justice, truth & human dignity o try to purify regimes that promote injustice & suffering § God’s Kingdom is greater & more inclusive than any political system § God’s Kingdom is among us in everything we do & say. o Therefore, in the divine presence we shall do all we can until justice achieved

Circumstances of Palestinian Church require the Church (universal) to § § clarify her faith & better identify her vocation as has the Palestinian Church in its suffering, which now bears witness to: o love rather than revenge o life over death o hope for itself, the Church & the world

Resurrection! § The resurrection is the source of our hope of victory over death & evil. § Therefore, we remain a witnessing, steadfast & active Church in the Land of the Resurrection!