February 19, 2003

Lighting a candle for peace.

In the afternoon, Marthame went to the Greek Orthodox Church. Sabeel Ecumenical Theological Center in Jerusalem has organized this day for prayers on behalf of peace, and Fr. Thomas made the announcement in his church on Sunday. Fr. Thomas gathers with people from his community twice a day - early in the morning and in the afternoon - for daily prayers. Today, instead of the usual daily liturgy, particular liturgies and prayers were offered up on behalf of peace - peace in this land, peace in Iraq, peace throughout the world.

As Marthame stood there, with children and grandmothers, he was overcome by a sense of sadness, a sorrow at the suffering these people face. A big question mark fell over the church: why? Why must these people, these wonderful people who have welcomed us so graciously, why must they suffer so? May the suffering here end, and soon.