A Precious Bible at Auction

                                                                     Codex Sassoon 

 And now for something completely different...

Sometimes I just like to nerd out on stories of artifacts and archeological discoveries related to the different religious traditions, including one about a Hebrew bible which has been in a private collection and will soon be up for auction.

 There are not many biblical manuscripts which actually date to an era close to the original written texts, which is why the Dead Sea Scrolls were so significant when they were discovered. Even older texts are copies of copies of copies and the portions are often fragments or sections of biblical books. To have a bible which is nearly intact from a thousand years ago is unique. 

Here is a description from the Washington Post:

The Codex Sassoon — named after its former owner, British collector David Solomon Sassoon — is thought to date from the late 9th or early 10th century.

It is one of only two surviving codices from that period of history that comprise “almost the entire Hebrew Bible,” Sotheby’s says. The other, known as the Aleppo Codex, dates from 930 but is missing roughly 40 percent of its pages. Carbon dating arranged by the current owner confirmed the Codex Sassoon is of a similar age, but “significantly more complete,” Sotheby’s said. The auction house believes that the Codex Sassoon is almost a century older than the earliest complete Hebrew Bible, the Leningrad Codex.

A Hebrew Bible more than 1,000 years old and described as "one of the most important and singular texts in human history" will go on show later this month, before going under the hammer.

The Codex Sassoon, dating to the late 9th to early 10th, is believed to be the earliest and most complete Hebrew Bible.It will be on show at Sotheby's in London from February 22-28, followed by an exhibition tour to Israel and the US. It will go up for auction in New York in May, where it is expected to fetch between $30 million and $50 million.

There is a possibility that this bible will realized more money at auction than any other manuscript ever sold, which is cause for pause in itself. 

Now, if we could just get people to read their bibles, which are readily at hand, and take what they discover to heart. That would be priceless. 

Communion Bread & the Children Who Create It

                                                Bread for March Communion at Trenton United Church

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

one cup of blessing which we bless;

and we, though many, throughout the earth,

we are one body in this one Lord.

3 Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,

gathered to one, for all.  

                                     Voices United 467

Yesterday Ruth, my wife, slipped out of the sanctuary at Trenton United just before the children left for their session. She was "on" for teaching the kids about bread, about it's signficance to our faith with the story of the Last Supper "this is my body, broken for you", Jesus as the Bread of Life, and communion bread as part of one of our two sacraments. 

What made this session stand out is that Ruth, a consummate bread-baker, taught the children the process of baking loaves. They watched the yeast as it performed it's minor miracle of bubbling fermentation, a foretaste of resurrection. Each child was given the opportunity to stir and knead the dough, and Ruth's observation was that any reluctance or indifference was swept aside by the literally hands-on experience. All of them participated enthusiastically, whatever their age. Sunday attendance for children can be sporadic -- anywhere from two to ten. Yesterday there were fourteen, with households having received notice that bread-making was the curriculum for the day. 

The dough and the formed loaves have to rise before heading into the oven, so Ruth wisely pre-baked small loaves for each child. The photos here are of the finished product which will be part of communion this coming Sunday. The aroma in our home was holy incense. 

Ruth has been baking bread for nearly half a century, and while we were living in Sudbury she had a small baking business out of our home. One of her customers was Jewish and would show up on Fridays for the Sabbath meal challah. 

She has also taught workshops on bread-baking and the connection with our Judeo/Christian traditions for years to people of all ages. She commented on our way home yesterday that no matter the age of participants, people are fascinated by making bread. We certainly discovered during the pandemic that people were willing to give the experience a whirl. 

Ruth has baked the bread for communion in congregations I served and now for Trenton United, our son Isaac's congregation for perhaps 30 years. She despised the miserly cubes of store-bought white bread which had become the United Church practice, always feeling that it was a contradiction of the soul-feeding generosity of Christ's love. I couldn't agree more. 

Please join us on Sunday to savour the delicious labour of our children. 

Speak of the Devil as Lent Begins

 

 Dost thou renounce Satan and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, or be led by them?

 I renounce them all.

Roman Ritual of the Catholic Church

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?

I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?

I renounce them.

Traditional Baptismal Ritual of the Church of England

The devil will be in the details, or at least the gospel lesson, of many worship services on this first Sunday of Lent. Every year it is the same story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness of Judea during an extended period of fasting and preparation for ministry. The forty days of this time of this "quarantine" are the reason that Lent is this length of time in the Christian year. And depending on which gospel is read, it is Satan or the Devil doing the tempting. 

In the United Church we still believe in evil but we really don't give the devil his due (I may stop with the satanic expressions at this point). How many sermons have you heard about Satan in United Church of Canada through the years. Not many, I imagine. 

I am currently reading a Chaim Potok novel with Hasidic Jewish characters who speak of a personified  force of evil. Curiously, a slim volume called The Little Book of Satan (I kid you not) arrived from a publisher recently for my perusal. I may be superstitious but I'm reluctant to delve into it.  

We certainly won't return to the caricature of the devil with horns and a forked tail which most would mock.  But I've been wondering whether moving away from a personification of evil means that the notion has become too vague and impersonal. What is the face of the Slanderer. the Deceiver. the Tempter. the Father of Lies. the Enemy. the Evil One? 

How do we explain the darkness which possesses a high-ranking Russian cleric who figuratively approves of or "baptises" a war on innocent people? What about the evil which through the decades allowed decision-makers in fossil fuel companies to hide the evidence about the destruction of our planetary life-support systems out of unmitigated greed? Has Satan been lurking in the shadows of shareholders meetings? Okay, I'll be careful. Still, power and greed were two of the temptations which Jesus renounced by drawing on scripture.  

Perhaps we should speak of the devil (apparently I can't help myself) and continue to renounce and reject evil wherever we it in our world. Our silence may be deafening. 

The Language of Hospitality

Former Sudbury city councillor Terry Kett, right, brought volunteers together to help teach English to newcomers from Ukraine, like Olexander Radthuk. (Angela Gemmill/Sudbury)

...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing?  And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’  And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’

                                               Matthew 25:35-40 NRSVue

When I began ministry at St. Andrew's United Church in downtown Sudbury in 1988 the Anglican congregation of the Church of the Epiphany was meeting for worship in our sanctuary, immediately before our service. To be honest, it wasn't all that convenient but their building next door had been destroyed by fire the year before and St. A's extended this hospitality. There is a large Celtic cross at the front of the St. Andrew's worship space which was their gift to us for hosting them. When they asked about a gift, that's what I suggested. I then convinced our board that this was appropriate and a talented woodworker in our congregation created it. 

We maintained a cordial relationship once they moved home and their congregation eventually participated in the meal ministry we began in our building. Their priest took a turn during our Lenten service series and we even shared an Easter Vigil for a time. 

 I was pleased to see recently that the Church of the Epiphany is providing space for English as a Second Language classes for Ukrainian refugees and immigrants. Approximately 200 Ukrainians have found their way to the Sudbury area in the past year. A fair number speak no English while others have only a rudimentary understanding.

I appreciate the regular reminders of the kindness of congregations in providing various forms of sanctuary and welcome in the midst of the harsh realities of our world. When so many congregations holding on by the skin of their teeth it's heartening that lots are still listening to the voice of the Saviour and speaking the language of practical hospitality.  

When the Winds of Winter Blow on Ash Wednesday

 

                                                           Snowball Fight -- Skogur Hlutur

When the wind of winter blows bringing times of solitude,

Fill the silent icy night; be our hearts compassion.

Holy light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.

Holy light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.

More Voices 71 "When the Wind of Winter Blows" 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
 Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and put a new and right spirit within me.
 Do not cast me away from your presence,
    and do not take your holy spirit from me.
 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Psalm 51: 7-12 NRSVue

We watched the weather forecast closely on Wednesday, questioning the wisdom of making the half-hour drive to Trenton for the Ash Wednesday service. We sallied forth and while it was blustery on the return trip the snow didn't start in earnest until later in the evening, so it was a good decision. There weren't many of us there but the service was a creative and thoughtful way in enter the Lenten season.

As coincidence or providence would have it, Rev. Isaac chose a hymn which was new to us from the Confession, Lent, and Healing section of the More Voices hymn resource which used the metaphor of the swirling winds of winter. While he decided on the gospel passage from Matthew as our scripture passage the Ash Wednesday psalm each year is 51 in which the contrite King David acknowledges his grievous failings. It includes the phrase "wash me whiter than snow" a form of precipitation which would have been rare, even though Jerusalem is a relatively high place. 

The next morning we worked diligently to clean out our driveway and walks but it really was quite beautiful. After school the kids from our court were on the mountain of snow created in the centre by the plough. 

I do appreciate that while the psalmist captures the recognition by David of his deceit and sin there is also an emphasis on restoration, forgiveness -- even joy. 

Holy snowball fight anyone? 

When we shiver in despair, when the chill of death comes near

hold us Spirit, calm our fear, when the evening deepens. 

 When in days of fallen snow, change confounds or love burns low

from the ashes may there rise phoenix of our growing. 

Holy light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.

Holy light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.

On this grim anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine I've posted some images of paintings by Ukrainian/Canadian artist, William Kurelek. My first Groundling blog post of 2023! https://groundlingearthyheavenly.blogspot.com/2023/02/ukrainian-tribute-william-kurelek.html

                                                     Snow on Bittersweet -- photo by Ruth Mundy

Welcoming Vulnerable Children in Christ's Name

 

                                     Six Adopted Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russian Forces 

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 

“If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin. Such things are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

               Matthew 18:1-7 NRSVue

We don't know a great deal about how children were regarded across cultures in the first century, and particularly in the early Christian community. There is a sense that even though child mortality rates were high they were considered fully formed humans made in the image of God. There doesn't seem to be any doubt about how Jesus regarded children. 

There have been two very different stories about stolen children in this past week, one from Poland and the other from here in Canada.In a speech while in Warsaw on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine,  President Biden spoke about the thousands of children, as many as 14,000, some as young as a few months old, who have been taken from the country by the invaders. The have been abducted by invading Russian soldiers to be raised in camps, brainwashed as a form of cultural genocide. It is a hideous aspect of this unprovoked war, an injustice somehow supported by the Russian Orthodox church. 

The other is regarding the discovery of seventeen likely unmarked graves on the grounds of a former residential school at the Tseshaht First Nation in British Columbia. The Alberni Indian Residential School was run by the United Church of Canada until 1969. We are aware of the terribly abuses of these schools run by various denominations across the country, victimizing Indigenous children who were abducted by the federal government and essentially incarcerated in these institutions. 

My heart is so heavy at the thought of both the historical and current injustices which were perpetrated or sanctioned by those who claim to be followers of Jesus. The disconnnect from Jesus' own teaching is incomprehensible yet irrefutable. How could these religious wolves in sheep's clothing not quake at the words of warning and judgement which are a rare aspect of Jesus' message? 

I'm not sure what to say or pray, to be honest, yet I feel that these circumstances can't be allowed to dwell in the darkness. How they will be revealed in the light of Christ, and how justice will prevail, remains to be seen. 

Here is the link to the initial statement by the United Church regarding the Alberni School findings

https://united-church.ca/news/initial-statement-findings-port-alberni-residential-institution

What Will Lent Mean for Us in 2023?

 

Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
 rend your hearts and not your clothing.  

Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.

Joel 2: 12-13 NSVue

It is my Lent to break my Lent,

To eat when I would fast, To know when slender strength is spent, Take shelter from the blast When I would run with wind and rain, To sleep when I would watch. It is my Lent to smile at pain But not ignore its touch.

Madeleine L’Engle

This is Ash Wednesday, the solemn beginning to the 40-day season of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar. Lots of Protestants observe Ash Wednesday and Lent now, after a fashion, even though they aren't all that sure what to do with this time of preparation for Easter. What are the rules and regs? Are we really supposed to fast in some fashion, give something up? Is it possible to trivialize Lent with arbitrary abstinence, and dietary choices? How do we go deeper in the "practice of the presence of God?".

I appreciate the ambivalence of Madeleine L'Engle's poem, which recognizes the importance of these days and weeks while acknowledging that they aren't readily defined. I've long felt that Lent was important, an opportunity to recalibrate my focus and remember that my faith calendar is different from the one on which I write the appointments and expectations of each day.

We're hoping that we can get to our congregation's Ash Wednesday service this evening and will watch the forecast which is promising a blast of Winter. There will be the familiar readings and the sooty sign of the cross. Through the rest of Lent I want to be aware and open to the presence of Christ in my life and attuned to the world around me as the seasons change. I suppose that is enough of a start for Lent in 2023.

Gratitude for Jimmy Carter, Christian

 

A few days ago a news release about former US president Jimmy Carter shared that at age 98 he has decided to forego further hospital treatment for his health challenges and will receive palliative care at home. Carter is a remarkable person, a man of deep Christian faith, who eventually won a Nobel Peace Prize for efforts motivated, in no small part, by his convictions. As president he was ahead of his time in addressing environmental issues, again informed by his understanding of Creator and the mandate to care for Creation. A Southern Baptist, he eventually left the denomination for what he viewed as regressive and unfaithful tenets. 

If you want to have a glimpse into his courage, search out that the story of his heading a team of specialized naval officers who were flown into Chalk River in 1952 to avert a nuclear meltdown at a reactor. It is the stuff of a thriller novel or film. Carter is often dismissed as weak during his one-term presidency but he has always been a person of resolve, decency, and foresight. 

Here are a couple of Carter quotes which have been shared in  recent days, and a photo of Carter on a Habitat for Humanity building site hours after he'd suffered a serious fall. He was 95  and deserved to recuperate but he didn't want to let the building team down. 

A hero, a Christian, saint in the best sense, and a great American. 

A Roman Emperor and Modern Conflict

                                              Recently discovered statue of Emperor Decius in Rome

Why do the nations conspire

    and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
    and cast their cords from us.”

                                      Psalm 2 NRSVue

 I came upon an article in the Smithsonian Magazine about the discovery during street excavations in Rome of a statue which likely dates back to the third century AD, or CE. It depicts a man man dressed as Hercules, the hero from Greco-Roman mythology, complete with a club and a lion skin headdress. It looks like other images of the Roman emperor Decius who ruled from 249 to 251 C.E. Decius stressed the worship of the ancient gods, hence the Hercules outfit, and was known for instituting the first organized persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire.

These archeological finds fascinate me,  as does the realization that the faith this emperor persecuted is still a living religion while worship of those gods ended long ago. And who has heard of Decius? It's usually Emperor Nero who is associated with killing Christians, even though this reputation may be exaggerated. 

In every age humanity gets caught up in the excesses, machinations, and power plays of empires, only for them to wane and even disappear. At the moment we are keenly aware of the reckless. unjustified war being waged by Russia against Ukraine. The reasons are unclear but it does seem that "emperor" Putin has a desire to revive the territorial glory of the tsars of the past. NATO nations are supporting Ukraine along with others from the European Union. Yet even as they meet the country is being blasted to pieces. As the United States leads this coalition of resistance it is also cautioning China, a tyrannical superpower in it own right about supporting Russia. China also threatens Taiwan, again under caution by the US. What a world. What a species. 

                                                                        Ukraine six days ago

I've been paying more attention to the Sunday and weekday psalms since our Gift of the Psalms study group. Yesterday, Transfiguration, it was Psalm 2 which begins with a question:Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? This is much more than a rhetorical question. At the conclusion of WW2 the Russians were instrumental in bringing an end to the Nazi German regime. Today Germany is central to the coalition resisting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An international security conference took place in Munich over the weekend. We do scheme and plot and conspire, only to change allegiances. Do we learn? 

Little wonder that the psalmist figures God laughs at our human foibles. And that we will find genuine peace and happiness as we take refuge in God, by any name for God we may employ.  

Well, enough of my rambling for today. Enjoy Family Day!

He who sits in the heavens laughs;

    the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath
    and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
    be warned, O rulers of the earth.
 Serve the Lord with fear;
with trembling kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way,
    for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Happy are all who take refuge in him.

The Demanding Work of Transfiguration

 

                                                               Fr. John Guiliani

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved;  with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”  

And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.  As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Matthew 17:1-9 NRSVue

In early April we'll travel to Israel to spend time with one of Ruth's step-sisters who has lived in Israel for decades. We look forward to being there during both Passover and Easter with all these important festivals offer for our faith. They are also enthusiast outdoor people and we have begun the conversations about the various rambles we can undertake. There are many biblical stories of God's revelation in the high places of the Sinai and Israel -- think Moses and the Burning Bush, the Ten Commandments, and overlooking the Promised Land from Moab.  

Jesus' ministry also involved high places, including this Sunday's story of the Transfiguration where Moses actually makes a cameo experience, as well as Elijah, who had his own mountain top epiphany. 

There is a mystical quality to this story which would have involved the demanding work of climbing despite a lack of specially designed hiking garb. We will not be donning togas and sandals for historical authenticity. 

We've been fortunate to experience magnificent vistas in different places in North America, Europe, and during previous visits to Israel. There is something profoundly spiritual about these moments, especially when there is a "360" at the summit. I've found that the ascents which involve actual physical work rather than simply driving to the top are the most demanding and satisfying. 

I would appreciate prayers for my ancient knees in the weeks ahead and for our training opportunites. We live in a beautiful area but there isn't much opportunity for vigorous climbing in these parts!

Note: We did climb a modest hill on an icy trail adjacent to the Batawa ski hill before heading to worship this morning.  It was enjoyable but I haven't been transfigured quite yet. 

                                                                       Augustin Kolawole Olayinka

Can Politicians Make Moral Decisions?

 

                                                                      Mayor John Tory departs

A week ago John Tory was cruising toward being the longest-serving mayor of Toronto, the fourth largest city in North America. Yesterday he said goodbye to a role he says he loved in a city he loved. Just about everyone was taken off guard and even shocked when he announced his resignation because he'd had an affair with a staff member. In his announcement on February 9th he said

I am deeply sorry, and I apologize unreservedly to the people of Toronto, and to all of those hurt by my actions. Most of all, I apologize to my wife, Barb, and to my family who I’ve let down more than anyone else.

The words of contrition and the decision to take responsibility for what had transpired seemed genuine. I did wonder if he would have resigned had there not been an impending article about the relationship in a major news source. Rumours about Tory's estrangement from his wife surfaced last December, apparently, along with the reason why. The journalist and his newspaper pondered whether to publish but in this  #metoo era when leaders in other fields would likely be held to account they decided to proceed. 

In the week between the first press release by Mayor Tory and his actual leaving office there was encouragement for him to reconsider and stay on in the role. One of those voices was that of  Premier Doug Ford, who wouldn't know a moral compass if he had it flung at him. It was clear that Ford was concerned that the byelection for mayor might bring in a "lefty" to power.

While #metoo has changed some attitudes, the egregious actions of people in power such as President Voldemort has emboldened lots of them to tough out lies and deceptions and immoral behaviour. 

Can we use words such as "immoral" and "unethical" anymore without seeming antiquated? We might be dismissed as "moralistic", one of the worst modern insults. And God help us if we mentioned faith as a factor in decision-making. 

I have no idea what went on in the "war room" set up to strategize Tory's plan but ultimately he made an honorable and moral decision. It may be unusual these days, but it is refreshing. I wish Tory well because public service is a tough gig and he had plenty of options. Even more I wish the best for those who were hurt the most. 

Entering the Passion of Jesus Together

I just concluded a three-week study group on the Psalms at Trenton United Church, our home congregation. It was half the size of our last group on Medical Assistance in Dying (I won't ruminate about that for too long) but there were eight engaged souls who were will willing to explore different aspects of the psalms which have faded into the background of many Christian communities. 

Again this time participants shared openly and meaningfully, including a newcomer who was quite courageous, to my mind. People also asked questions and made observations which enriched the conversation. That's what can happen with study groups. I'm grateful that we have been able to return to in-person gatherings but we continue to include others by Zoom and we've had participants from a number of congregations and denominations. 

We've agreed to spend three weeks together in Lent as well, this time pondering the last week of Jesus' life. The period between Palm Sunday and Easter which includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday is essential to our understanding of what it means to be Christian.

In a shameless plug for you to join us, here is the notice which goes in the church mailout this week.  I really appreciate Amy-Jill Levine's Jewish perspective on Christian themes but we'll bring in other resources as well. I like the subtitle "a beginner's guide to Holy Week" because we really are beginners for a lifetime, aren't we? 

Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM, March 15, 22, 29

Christians recognize Jesus as the Christ, God-with-us. He was also Yeshua, raised as a Jew, and during the last week of his life he was in Jerusalem for the celebration of Jewish Passover. 

Join us for a three-week Lenten Study of what we call the "passion" of Jesus, those final days leading to his crucifixion and resurrection. We will explore the book Entering the Passion of Jesus by Jewish New Testament scholar, Amy-Jill Levine. 

Destruction in the "Cradle of Christianity"

 

A man watches volunteers search for bodies in the old quarter of Antakya, Turkey, three days after the earthquake, Feb. 9, 2023. Emily Garthwaite/The New York Times via Redux

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood self-condemned, for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction.  And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the gentiles to live like Jews?

Galatians 2: 11-14 NRSVue

This passage from the apostle Paul's letter to the congregations in the region of Galatia, now part of Turkey, gives us a taste of the kerfuffle he had with the disciple Peter (Cephas)  over who was accepted into the emerging Christian faith and who wasn't. The passage names the city of Antioch as the location for their showdown. Antioch has been called the "cradle of Christianity" because of its central role in the emergence of the faith. 

Ancient Antioch, the third largest in the Roman Empire,  is the modern-day city of Antakya which has been devastated by the earthquakes which recently struck the region. The centre of the city is in ruins with 1,200 buildings destroyed and an untold number of people have died or are displaced. Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country but there are churches in Antakya and I saw a photo of destitute people camped out below the cave church of St. Peter, which survived the quake. Word is that the church built in memory of St. Paul was destroyed, along with mosques and a synagogue. 

There are so many jarring reminders of loss in Syria and Turkey as the death toll exceeds 40,000 and millions are displaced. We are also becoming aware of the loss of cultural landmarks in a land which has signficance to our faith, even though we may not have been aware. 

                                                     The Cave Church of St. Peter, Antakya, Turkey

Antakyans camped out wherever they found a likely spot. Here, a displaced woman rested under an olive tree on a hillside below St. Pierre (Peter) Church last Thursday.Credit...Emily Garthwaite for The New York Times