While it has been two days since the anniversary of the October 7th, 2024, Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel I thought I would share this prayerful response from the United Church of Canada to what unfolded that day and since then in Gaza, the West Bank, and now Lebanon. I've also included the link to the UCC statement which begins:
Every human being is made in God’s image. When we value the lives of others, humanity itself is lifted.
https://united-church.ca/news/united-church-canada-statement-about-palestine-and-israel-october-2024
During the past year we have seen a disturbing rise in both anti-Semitism and Islamphobia everywhere, including Canada. We've become aware of the polarization of people who have sometimes become passionate to the point of irrationality and hatred. The violence has escalated, and "an eye for eye" really has blinded those who could have brought about different outcomes.
I invite you to click on the link and ponder.
Liturgical Response for October 7
For October 7, we invite congregations to join in prayer together for peace in Israel and Palestine. Consider having seven candles on the altar, and using these words (or something similar) followed by a brief silence before lighting each candle.
We remember the over 40,000 people who have been killed on and since October 7, 2023. We mourn the atrocities of war. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We remember those who are separated by force from loved ones—prisoners, hostages, and detainees. We remember those whose human rights and freedoms are violated daily. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We remember the people who have lost their security, homes, and communities in this war. We remember the more than 1 million Palestinians who are displaced and without a home. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We remember the uncomforted tears, the deep longings for peace, the prayers of lament that cannot be expressed in words, brought on by the horrors of war. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We remember the lush lands, the fields that can no longer be harvested, the livestock unattended, and the destruction of creation caused by war. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We remember those who mourn and are grieving while still living in devastation. We remember children who do not have safe spaces to play, learn, and grow. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We remember the peacekeepers, the human right defenders, the justice seekers, and all those who have sacrificed to provide much-needed humanitarian aid. Into the silence, we pray.
[Silence. Candle is lit.]
We gather these prayers, with kindred in the Holy Land and around the world, together with the prayer that Jesus taught us:
Our Creator…
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