Beholding the World

The Two Trees - W.B. Yeats

2011-07-27T13:38:00.001-04:00

Beloved, gaze in thine own heart,
The holy tree is growing there;
From joy the holy branches start,
And all the trembling flowers they bear.
The changing colours of its fruit
Have dowered the stars with merry light;
The surety of its hidden root
Has planted quiet in the night;
The shaking of its leafy head
Has given the waves their melody,
And made my lips and music wed,
Murmuring a wizard song for thee.

There the Loves a circle go,
The flaming circle of our days,
Gyring, spiring to and fro
In those great ignorant leafy ways;
Remembering all that shaken hair
And how the winged sandals dart,
Thine eyes grow full of tender care;
Beloved, gaze in thine own heart.

Gaze no more in the bitter glass
The demons, with their subtle guile,
Lift up before us when they pass,
Or only gaze a little while;
For there a fatal image grows
That the stormy night receives,
Roots half hidden under snows,
Broken boughs and blackened leaves.
For all things turn to barenness
In the dim glass the demons hold,
The glass of outer weariness,
Made when God slept in times of old.
There, through the broken branches, go
The ravens of unresting thought;
Flying, crying, to and fro,
Cruel claw and hungry throat,
Or else they stand and stiff the wind,
And shake their ragged wings: alas!
Thy tender eyes grow all unkind:
Gaze no more in the bitter glass.

Beloved, gaze in thine own heart
The holy tree is growing there;
From joy the holy branches start,
And all the trembling branches bear.
Remembering all that shaken hair
And how the winged sandals dart,
Thine eyes grow full of tender care:
Beloved, gaze in thine own heart.

Praying the heart

2011-04-20T11:18:00.001-04:00

You can only pray what's in your heart.

So if your heart is being ripped from your chest
pray the tearing

if your heart is full of bitterness
pray it to the last dreg

if your heart is a river gone wild
pray the torrent

or a lava flow scorching the mountain
pray the fire

pray the scream in your heart the fanning bellows

pray the rage,
the murder and
the mourning

pray your heart into the great quiet hands that can hold it
like the small bird it is.

Elizabeth Cunningham

A Psalm of Thomas Merton

2011-04-15T15:08:00.003-04:00

O the Lord is good
To the steady man
He is good
To the man of peace.

But I stumbled, I stumbled in my mind
Over those men
I did not understand
Rich and fat
With big cigars and cars
they seem to have no trouble,
Know no pain
I do not understand those men of war
Strong and proud
Rich and fat
The more they have
The more they hate
And hate the rolls downs their skin
Like drops of sweat.

I stumbled, I stumbled in my mind
Over those men of war

Full of power
Rich and fat
The more they have, the more they hate
And they jeered
At my people
Showed their power
Rolled their pile of fat
And my people
Listened to their threat
My people was afraid
Of those men of war
When hate rolled down their skin
Like drops of sweat.

My heart was sore
Seeing their success
"Does God care?
Has He forgotten us?"
Lord, I nearly fell
Stumbling in my mind
About those men of war
It was hard to see
Till you showed me
How like a dream
Those phantoms pass away.

It's been a while...........

2011-04-15T15:02:00.003-04:00

Wow... I sorry I haven't posted on here in a VERY long time. I will endeavor to post my thoughts along with tidbits and scraps I find along the way...

Pax vobiscum!

Happy All Saints Day!

2009-11-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

Eucharistic Prayer project

2009-10-26T02:07:00.000-04:00

L: The Lord be with you.

P: And with your spirit.

L: Lift up your hearts.

P: We lift them to the Lord.
L: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

P: It is good and right to give God thanks and praise.

L:
It is truly fitting, good, and right to give you thanks and praise, to glorify and worship you the uncreated, ineffable, unfathomable God, with your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit; the holy, blessed and undivided Trinity. Before all time and throughout eternity you are wrapped in holy, brilliant, and unapproachable light. In your awesome power and wondrous love you created everything that is and have filled your creation with abundant blessing. To you belongs all glory, honor, might, greatness and magnificence, now and forever.

God and Master of all things, the One who Exists, blessed to the ages of ages, enthroned upon the Cherubim, glorified by the Seraphim: before you stand thousands and tens of thousands of Angels and Archangels; we join with them and all of your saints and every creature both in heaven and on earth in the never-ending song of your praise.

All:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth is full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

God of all goodness, we behold your greatness. All your works show your wisdom and love. You are holy indeed! Holy also is your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and holy is your Spirit, who searches all things, even your very depths, O God.

In great wisdom you made humankind from the dust of the earth, according to your image and likeness, granting it the enjoyment of Paradise. But when we transgressed your commandment and fell away, you do not forsake or abandon us, O Good One, but chastened us as a compassionate Father, called us through the Law, and tutored us through the Prophets.

Though you are surrounded in holiness and righteousness, you looked upon us with great mercy. In the fullness of time and for the sake of your great compassion, you sent the only-begotten Son and Word of God, who, being immortal and by whom all creation has its being, accepted for our salvation to take on flesh from the very substance of the Virgin Mary, his mother, and by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit without change became human. You were crucified, Christ God, and thus by your death and glorious resurrection destroyed death’s power forever, showing us the way of your Kingdom.

When it was time for him to endure his life-giving death, our Lord took bread in his holy hands. He gave you thanks, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his friends, saying,

“Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, he took the cup filled with wine. When he had given thanks to you, he gave it to his friends, saying,

“Drink this, all of you; this is the Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:

All:

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

Lord God, we now celebrate the memorial of our redemption. We recall Christ’s death and his descent among the dead; we proclaim his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, and we await his coming in glory. Therefore we offer you this bread and this cup, and pray that in your goodness and mercy you would send out your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that you would make them + the Body and Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ.

We ask that your Holy Spirit would come upon + us also, that as your Church gathered into one Body and one Spirit, we would be a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise and glory of your name.

L/A:
Most merciful Lord, remember your Church throughout the world. Strengthen in faith all your servants.

Remember all of those who have died in the peace and hope of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone. Gather them all into the place of never-ending light and joy.

For ourselves, too, we ask that we would come into the fellowship and inheritance of your people, with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Bearer of God, and Joseph, her husband, with the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and all your saints who have lived faithfully throughout the ages. We praise you in union with them, and give you glory through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

L & A:
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours Almighty Father, forever and ever.

All:

AMEN!

Über die Felder...

2009-05-10T17:23:00.003-04:00

Über den Himmel Wolken ziehn,

Über die Felder geht der Wind,

Über die Felder wandert

Meiner Mutter verlorenes Kind.

Über die Straße Blätter wehn,

Über den Bäumen Vögel schrein -

Irgendwo über den Bergen

Muß meine ferne Heimat sein.



~ Hermann Hesse

The Paschal (Easter) Homily of St. John Chrysostom

2009-04-18T00:31:00.002-04:00

If any man be devout and loveth God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast! If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.

If any have laboured long in fasting, let him how receive his recompense. If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; Because he shall in nowise be deprived therefore. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. And if any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness.

For the Lord, who is jealous of his honour, will accept the last even as the first. He giveth rest unto him who cometh at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who hath wrought from the first hour.

And He showeth mercy upon the last, and careth for the first; And to the one He giveth, and upon the other He bestoweth gifts. And He both accepteth the deeds, and welcometh the intention, and honoureth the acts and praises the offering.

Wherefore, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord; Receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second. You rich and poor together, hold high festival! You sober and you heedless, honour the day! Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away. Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness.

Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal Kingdom has been revealed. Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shown forth from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Saviour’s death has set us free. He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it.

By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive. He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh. And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was embittered when it encountered Thee in the lower regions.

It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was overthrown. It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains. It took a body, and met God face to face. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.

O Death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory?

Christ is risen, and thou art overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigns! Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.
Amen.

Christ is risen! Xristos Anesti!

2009-04-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Khristos anesti ek nekron,
Thanato thanaton patisas,
Kai tis en tis mnimasi
Zo-in kharisamenos!

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs
bestowing life!

Stabat Mater

2009-04-08T13:51:00.002-04:00

Reflection for Tuesday of Holy Week

2009-04-07T00:23:00.001-04:00

John 12:20-26, Psalm 51

Jesus said: "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say – "Father, save me from this hour"? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name."

To Christ there was a paradox, because this "hour" is not only the time of His Glorification, but also a time that He dreads. It is a time of both His anguish and exaltation - a time of pain and a time of great relief. Jesus knew all too well that, only through the willingness to relinquish one form of life can there be hope for another. What is true for the grain of wheat that must die to winter in order to flourish in the spring, so too is the paradox of our human existence.

The interior struggle of Jesus is no different than ours today. It has never been different, and as long as we remain human, it will never be different. It is once again a choice that we all must soberly seek out as we search for the resolution to our indifferent hearts, because for each and every one of us, there comes a point in time when we are faced with our very own "hour." For "those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

(The Hymnal 1982 - #204)

Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain,

Wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain;

Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

In the grave they laid him, Love whom hate had slain,

Thinking that never he would wake again,

Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

How many Christians does it take to change a light bulb?

2009-04-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

Pentecostals: Ten. One to change the bulb, and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.

Calvinists: None. Lights will go on and off at predestined times.

Roman Catholics: Two, one to change the bulb, and a priest to hear the confession and give the bulb last rites.

Orthodox: Change? We'll need to have a few councils to discuss having a council to determine to change it or not.

Southern Baptists: 109. Seven on the Light Bulb Task Force Sub-committee, who report to the 12 on the Light Bulb Task Force, appointed by the 15 on the Trustee Board. Their recommendation is reviewed by the Finance Executive Committee of 5, who place it on the agenda of the 18 member Finance Committee. If they approve, they bring a motion to the 27 Member church Board, who appoint another 12 member review committee. If they recommend that the Church Board proceed, a resolution is brought to the Congregational Business Meeting. They appoint another 8 member review committee. If their report to the next Congregational Business Meeting supports the changing of a light bulb, and the Congregation votes in favor, the responsibility to carry out the light bulb change is passed on to the Trustee Board, who in turn appoint a 7-member committee to find the best price in new light bulbs. Their recommendation of which hardware is the best buy must then be reviewed by the 23 member Ethics Committee to make certain that this hardware store has no connection to Disneyland. They report back to the Trustee Board who then commissions the Trustee in charge of the Janitor to ask him to make the change. By then the janitor discovers that one more light bulb has burned out.

Episcopalians: 300. One to call an electrician. The rector, assistant rector, deacon, and seminarian to lead the ceremony blessing the new bulb. The church secretary to make up the special bulletin insert with the bulb-blessing ceremony, including congregational responses: "Do you, the people of St. Alban's, promise to support this bulb in its work on behalf of the church?" "We do, with God's help!" The choirmaster/organist to write and arrange a special Blessing of the Bulb Anthem: "Phos 100-Watt GE Soft White" and 12 choir members to sing it. An acolyte and two torch-bearers to sit around looking bored and making faces at each other. And 278 people in the pews thinking, "Is this service EVER going to end?" Following the service, two people storm out of the church pissed because the old bulb was given in memory of their late grandmother. Six people will form a Society for the Preservation of the Light Bulb and meet regularly to drink brandy and talk about the first annual Light Bulb Festival (which never seems to get off the ground).

Anglo-Catholics: None, candles only!

United Methodists: This statement was issued: "We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey you have found that a light bulb works for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb (or light source, or non-dark resource), and present it next Sunday at the Service of Light, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-life, and tinted - all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence. Whether your light is bright, dull, or completely out, you are loved --you can be a light bulb, turnip bulb, or tulip bulb. Bring bulb of your choice and a covered dish."

Nazarene: Four ladies. One to carefully unscrew the bulb. One to wrap it carefully and another to package it. The fourth to mail it to the mission field.

Independent Christian: Only one, because any more might result in too much cooperation.

Church of Christ: Five. One to change the bulb, and four to serve refreshments.

Lutherans: We read that we are to so fear and love God that we cannot by our own effort or understanding comprehend the replacement of an electromagnetic photon source. It is, rather by faith, NOT by our efforts (effected toward the failed worldly incandescence), that we truly see, and that our own works cannot fully justify us in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course, it is still dark...

United Church of Christ: Don’t be so intolerant. What if the light bulb has chosen an alternative lifestyle?

Presbyterians: Well, it should require about five committees to review the idea first. If each is staffed with half a dozen members, that’s what … Thirty? Do we have a quorum?

Anglicans: Light-bulb changing is placed on the agenda of the diocesan convention, where much hot air is expelled in discussion of the gender and status of light-bulb changers. The anglo-catholics insist that God has devolved the sacramental office of light-provider (see Genesis 1) onto the ordained male priests of His Church. The evangelicals agree that light-bulb changing is the proper province of males, since the Bible states that not a few virgins (female) allowed their lamps to go out, thus proving that women can't be trusted in the realm of illumination. However, they disagree about the exclusion of male laity, arguing that since lay-persons are allowed to change fuses, a function closely related to the provision of light, there is no reason why they shouldn't go all out and change the bulb as well. In the end, however, there are at least three: one to finally change the bulb, and at least two to storm out if the changer is a woman.

Neo-evangelicals: No one knows. They can't tell the difference between light and darkness

Quakers: Ten to sit around in a circle until one feels the inner light.

Christian Scientists: None. There is no such thing as a burnt-out light bulb.

Brethren: CHANGE?!?!

Amish: What's a light bulb?

The Iron Wall

2009-03-31T20:36:00.000-04:00

Land Day 2009

2009-03-30T12:25:00.002-04:00

Palestinians and their supporters around the world are organizing protests, demonstrations, teach-ins and actions on Palestinian Land Day, which has also been declared the 'Global Day for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions of Israel'.

Land Day began 32 years ago, on March 30th, 1977, when Israeli forces attacked a non-violent demonstration against large scale land confiscation in the Galilee, in northern Israel. On that day, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinians, injured 96 and arrested 300. Palestinians inside Israel, the West Bank and Gaza as well as refugee camps in nearby Arab countries declared the day to be 'Land Day', to commemorate the loss of Palestinian land, which is still ongoing to create and expand the state of Israel.

According to the grassroots 'Stop the Wall' campaign, “The call for a global day of action on March 30 came out of the World Social Forum in Belem (Brazil) and aims to promote BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions] as the most effective tool to stop Israeli policies of land theft and colonization and the discrimination, massacres and ethnic cleansing that have been carried out against the Palestinian people in pursuit of these goals”.

The group's statement continues, “Actions all across historic Palestine tie the ongoing defense of Palestinian land and agriculture from the Wall and settlement project to the call for boycott of Israeli products and institutions. Where farming becomes a form of resistance, choosing Palestinian over Israeli products is an essential part of the Palestinian struggle for justice, freedom, and return. Where a people is besieged, bombed and starved with the complicity of governments around the world, the call for global BDS becomes an essential tool to break the siege.”

Actions are planned in cities and towns across the globe with hundreds of cities participating. Inside Palestine itself, and within Israel, dozens of protests are also planned. Worldwide, participating cities include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Hague, Buenos Aires, Tunis, Caracas Venezuela, a dozen cities in Italy and many, many more.

A full list of global actions can be seen here:

http://www.bdsmovement.net/?q=node/349

A full list of actions inside Palestine can be seen at:

http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/1905.shtml

The Feast of the Annunciation

2009-03-25T15:20:00.009-04:00

Today, March 25, is the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (yes... 9 months before Christmas). The Angelus is an especially appropriate prayer for this day. The recording below is by Chanticleer.

Angelus Domini

Ángelus Dómini nuntiávit Maríæ.
The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
Et concépit de Spíritu Sancto.
And she concieved by the Holy Spirit.

Ave, María, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

Ecce ancílla Dómini.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Fiat mihi secúndum verbum tuum.
Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Ave, María...
Hail, Mary...

Et Verbum caro factum est.
And the Word was made flesh.
Et habitávit in nobis.
And dwelt among us.

Ave, María...
Hail, Mary...

Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei génetrix.
Pray for us, O holy mother of God.
Ut digni efficiámur promissiónibus Christi.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Orémus.
Let us pray.

Grátiam tuam, quæsumus,
Dómine, méntibus nostris infúnde;
ut qui, Ángelo nuntiánte,
Christi Fílii tui incarnatiónem cognóvimus,
per passiónem eius et crucem,
ad resurrectiónis glóriam perducámur.
Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace unto our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.

Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.
Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Glória Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, world without end. Amen.

pondering the future...

2009-03-23T22:05:00.003-04:00

Lately, I've been thinking about what the next step will be in life's journey. Our lease for the house is up at the end of May, so there is a definite deadline (a very close deadline) to keep in mind. At present rate of income, however, I don't know that I'll be able to afford a more expensive place to live... and that will be quite difficult to find, even here in East Tennessee.

Since graduating from Emmanuel in 2007, the primary reason for staying in East TN was the pursuit of ordination into the Episcopal priesthood. That was put to a definite end by the bishop in December. Ever since, I've been trying to put the pieces back together, even exploring various possibilities for continued ministry here in Johnson City and at St. John's. Needless to say, I'm pretty fed-up and frustrated with the Church in general. But, as Ben so eloquently stated in his recent blog entry, "we cannot be presume to have no story other than the story we chose when we had no story," so I guess I'm stuck with it, huh?

All this to say, I'm exploring various options at the moment. However, if I do not acquire a suitable paying job within a month or so, I believe I may move back home where there is family and (hopefully) more prospects for a future career... whatever that is... East TN has been great! I have many friends and a good church. But I just can't see much of future here (and being stuck with a crappy job doesn't do much to clear the horizon either).

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers...

AIG

2009-03-23T17:53:00.000-04:00

...pretty much says it all...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

~An Irish Blessing

And for some interesting reading, try The Confession of Saint Patrick.

tattoo idea

2009-03-15T19:42:00.005-04:00

Ever since getting a tattoo a few years ago, I've been wanting another one (...to the chagrin of my parents, I'm sure). Well, I believe I've found one that I really like:

I think I'll leave the cross in the background out, but I really like the two fish for a number of reasons. In Christian symbolism, fish represent calling (i.e. the calling of St. Peter, who was a fisherman, and called to be a "fisher of men."), the provision of God (i.e. the miracle of Christ in feeding the 5000 with a loaf of bread and two fish), and the old Greek acronym for fish (ΙΧΘΥΣ which stands for Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior).

Apart from just wanting another tattoo, I think these timeless symbols not only speak to events in my life over the past year or so, but to look to the eternal truths that pervade all parts of existence. God's calling and provision reach far beyond individual life circumstances and events. God calls us to himself, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and souls. In obedience to God's calling, he is constantly mindful of each of our needs, even as he is aware of the number hairs on our heads.

ashes and dust

2009-03-03T23:26:00.001-05:00

ashes and dust... like grass that withers and is gone from the earth... a vapor... such is the reality of our existence. but it is not depressing, it is real, it is solid... death is not our foe; it is our brother and our sister and our friend, and it comes to all of us. death brings us to our inevitable end - the end of the reality in which we, in and of ourselves, are able to live and think and sing. but our end is not THE end... indeed it is only the faintest glimpse of what really is... so dust and ashes, yes, yet greatly loved! ...and it is through this experience and scope of what is true reality that we can look into another and gaze into the depths of God.

Lent begins...

2009-02-26T16:44:00.007-05:00

As the 40 day journey of Lent begins, I have always found Psalm 51 (Miserere Mei Deus) a good place to begin (as does the Church, since this Psalm appears in the Ash Wednesday liturgy). A favorite setting of this Psalm is by Gregorio Allegri, and is possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed. So beautiful, in fact, that the Pope Urban VIII declared that such angelic music, which is solely intended for God, should only be heard by human ears once per year, during Holy Week, and then only in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Centuries later, while Mozart was visiting Rome, he heard the piece performed in the Sistine Chapel, and later wrote it down from memory after hearing it only once!

English translation (from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer):

Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness: according to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offenses.

Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.

Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying, and clear when Thou art judged.

Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in sin hath my mother conceived me.

But lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts: and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.

Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness: that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.

Turn Thy face from my sins: and put out all my misdeeds.

Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

O give me the comfort of Thy help again: and stablish me with Thy free Spirit.

Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked: and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health: and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness.

Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord: and my mouth shall shew Thy praise.

For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee: but Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.

The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise.

O be favourable and gracious unto Sion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar.

My Spirit Longs for Thee

2009-02-16T17:13:00.003-05:00

The Blessed Virgin Mary has been venerated by the Church since the first century as the example and prototype of a true Christian. Indeed she was the very first to bend her will to Christ, and because of this submission the Incarnation of God and, therefore, the Redemption of the world was made possible. Mary was the first to accept Christ and was the first to bear him to the world. Because of this and her motherly relationship to her divine Son, the Church has venerated her with such titles as the Blessed Virgin, the Theotokos (Bearer of God), the Mother of God, and the Queen of Heaven. She is the first among the saints who are victorious in heaven, and therefore the chief intersessor among the Victorious Church, which stands before the Throne ever praising and worshiping God, and always interceeding for the Church and the world.
All the Saints are a reflection of their Maker and Redeemer. They have glorified God by their faithful lives, and give us hopeful examples as we continue our lives' pilgrimages to obey the call of God. It is always right and good to ask our brothers and sisters, both here on earth and all those in heaven, to pray to God on our behalf.
So when you find it hard to endure life's pain, and even find it hard to pray to God, we can look to our brothers and sisters who have persevered and overcome for hopeful examples and faithful prayers.

idealistic & naive

2009-02-09T16:07:00.005-05:00

"Idealistic and naive"... at first I was a bit offended being called these things. However, after reflecting back over the last couple weeks, I am happy to be thus! Indeed, I am naive enough to trust in the goodness of humanity, even though I have seen with my own eyes the cruel and evil hatred it can possess. I have also seen the beauty and generosity so profound it outshines the images of death we are bombarded with on the news media. And I am idealistic enough to hope for peace and equal justice in a world in which these things rarely occur, and am willing to work to see these come to pass.

Faith, you see, gives us the ability to see beyond the possible and hope in the impossible. Faith gives us strength and courage to live beyond what our simple understanding of the universe can allow. It is through faith that we begin to see the world differently, to understand that there is much more to it than what our frail senses perceive.

Is this not where our hope lies? We, Christians, must seem like a strange lot indeed! For, our hope is in trusting that the stones and steel that are built up in this world will one day lie in ruins. Our hope is that one day the power of governments which is built upon fear and war will be toppled and crushed by justice and mercy. Our hope is that one day those who are heart-broken and are in grief will jump for joy. Our hope is that one day the hungry will be filled and that the homeless will find a home. Our hope is that one day we will all be raised, like our Lord, in the flesh, and that all of creation will be made new. Our faith hears words, grasps wine and bread, and sees God!

Now, I may indeed be naive and idealistic, but my hope remains in things unseen and in those things that I know are impossible. Here are the words to one of my favorite hymns which speak to this much more eloquently than I am able:

The Day is Near

For words and deeds enshrined in granite tombs,
For all enthroned in regal splendor;
For power that lives on fear and clash of arms,
Whose faith abides in steel and silver:
All things held in estimation:
God's Word leaves them all confounded.
In our weakness He may lend His strength
And face the mighty with His justice.

The Word of God ordains the Day is near
That all who weep should turn to laughter;
That homeless people find a dwelling place,
That thirst and hunger should be ended.
Then the barren shall be fruitful;
Orphans shall themselves be fathers.
Truth and mercy shall embrace at last
And peace will reign the whole world over.

For all who dare rely on words and bread,
A dwindling flame never extinguished;
Who cling to dreams and ancient promises,
However hard the task to do so.
They may groan beneath their burdens,
And their struggle waged in secret.
They may yet awake to greet the dawn
And not believe* what they are seeing.

*Note: "not believe" here is used in the sense of "amazement" or "wonder".

a op-ed by Jim Dahlman

2009-02-09T16:01:00.001-05:00

Face to Faith
S.J. Dahlman
31 Jan 2009
Johnson City (Tenn.) Press

Last Sunday afternoon, when about 50 people walked silently from ETSU to the Carver Recreation Center, no one in Gaza paused to watch. When the marchers arrived and were joined by another hundred people for a brief vigil of prayers and short speeches - to "stand for justice and peace in the Holy Land," as a banner said - Israelis did not stop to listen. Afterwards, as the diverse group of Christians, Muslims, Jews and people of other faiths, food and drink in hand, stood around talking, the United Nations didn't notice.

The two-hour event in Johnson City was a response to the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians that has killed thousands of people and reduced Gaza to rubble in the past four weeks, but someone could be forgiven for wondering what difference it made, half a world away.

Finding solutions to the conflict certainly wasn't the purpose, said R.J. Powell, one of the event's coordinators. Instead, he suggested that if Jews, Muslims and Christians can find common ground here, then the same can happen elsewhere.

"The point was to stand in solidarity with the victims and those in our community who are affected," he said. "We can stand here together as a diverse community for people, and we can have hope for other places."

That's a fine and noble sentiment, I thought, but idealistic and maybe even naive. While the world has grown smaller and more connected, it hasn't necessarily grown closer or more peaceful. Just being able to travel the world doesn't mean we're going to get along better than we did in the past.

A friend visited Australia last month, staying several weeks with a friend whose family originated in Croatia. Apparently many Eastern European immigrants have settled there, not only Croatians but also their bitter enemies and neighbors in Europe - Serbs. My friend was surprised to find how the old animosities crossed the oceans with the immigrants. The Serbs and Croats in Melbourne harbor such bitterness that they schedule Christmas observances at different times to avoid any overlap: One culture's holiday won't start until the other's ends. So much for "Peace on earth, good will toward men."

But if such stories tell us that our world isn't necessarily more harmonious, they also remind us that we are indeed connected. I can think of Balkan feuds transplanted Down Under, but I can also think of children and old people in Kenya and Indonesia cheering during the inauguration of an American president last week. They know we're all in this together, now more than ever.

"A lot of people in our community care about what's going on in the world and how it impacts our community," said Powell, who serves as a lay minister at St. John's Episcopal Church. "People who live here and walk alongside us have real and tangible connections with the rest of the world. It's important for them to have a voice, even if it's simply by their very presence. We need to realize we're connected to those things."

(If nothing else, consider our political connections to Gaza: the Palestinian problem fuels the fires in the region, eagerly stoked by Iran and Syria. Iraq serves as a buffer in the region, where local men and women have served, fought and died.)

The speakers at the vigil - Taneem Aziz, from the Muslim community; Tim Ross, from the Christian community; and Barbara Turner, from the Jewish community - recognized the connections, emphasizing their traditions' teachings about peace, justice and reconciliation.

"The speakers resonated with each other," Powell said. "Barbara's emphasis on equal justice for all ... was really very important. She emphasized how justice needs to happen, for Palestinians as well as for Israel."

East Tennessee is a long way from the chaos in Gaza, but Powell realized the importance of the vigil when he heard children playing in the background during a moment of silence at the recreation center.

"It obviously was not silent," he recalled. "But I was thinking this is the reason we're doing these things. Our children are a sign of our hope. It's not for ourselves but for the generations to come. It was very tangible. That was a God-moment to me."

Local Media's reports on the Peace Vigil

2009-01-26T10:16:00.002-05:00

WJHL Channel 11

Johnson City Press

I am more than pleased with the turn-out, the event itself, and the reactions I've heard from individuals and from the press. I think this Vigil can be marked as a success and marks a hope for our communities here in Johnson City.

INTER-FAITH VIGIL FOR PEACE

2009-01-23T14:32:00.004-05:00

Sunday, January 25, 2009
3:30pm
Carver Recreation Center
Johnson City, TN

Representatives from the Christian and Muslim communities in Johnson City will be present to offer prayers for peace and healing, and to show solidarity with the victims of the recent turmoil in Gaza and Southern Israel.

Remember, the word "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God", and is used by Muslims and Christians alike.

Demonstration for Gaza this Saturday in DC

2009-01-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Israeli strikes hit UN school in Gaza

2009-01-07T23:10:00.000-05:00

The Church responds to the Gaza invasion

2009-01-06T22:02:00.003-05:00

Below are the latest statements issued by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (TEC), and the Patriarchs of the Churches in Jerusalem and the Middle East regarding the Israeli massacre and invasion in Gaza:

Jan. 5th statement by the Most Reverend Katherine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church:
We are deeply saddened by the first-hand reports we are receiving from Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza about the casualties they are treating under the most horrific circumstances. Not only do they lack basic medical supplies, but with windows blown out they are even struggling to keep patients warm. The high number of civilian deaths and injuries, which continue to include noncombatants, women, and children, will only prolong the violence years into the future. Israel’s disproportionate response to the rockets being fired into its cities may well encourage violence beyond Gaza and Israel. The first steps toward peace will only come if all parties unite behind an immediate ceasefire. Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded the world that "an eye for an eye soon leaves the whole world blind." May we seek to end this blinding violence.

December 30th statement by the Patriarchs and Bishops of Jerusalem and the Middle East:
We, the Patriarchs, Bishops and the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem, follow with deep concern, regret, and shock the war currently raging in the Gaza Strip and the subsequent destruction, murder and bloodshed, especially at a time when we celebrate Christmas, the birth of the King of love and peace. As we express our deep sorrow at the renewed cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians and the continued absence of peace in our Holy Land, we denounce the ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip and all forms of violence and killings from all parties. We believe that the continuation of this bloodshed and violence will not lead to peace and justice but breed more hatred and hostility -- and thus continued confrontation between the two peoples.

Accordingly, we call upon all officials of both parties to the conflict to return to their senses and refrain from all violent acts, which only bring destruction and tragedy, and urge them instead to work to resolve their differences through peaceful and non-violent means.

We also call upon the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and intervene immediately and actively stop the bloodshed and end all forms of confrontation; to work hard and strong to put an end to the current confrontation and remove the causes of conflict between the two peoples; and to finally resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a just and comprehensive solution based on international resolutions.

To the various Palestinian factions we say: It is time to end your division and settle your differences. We call on all factions at this particular time to put the interests of the Palestinian people above personal and factional interests and to move immediately toward national comprehensive reconciliation and use all non-violent means to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Finally, we raise our prayers to the Child in the manger to inspire the authorities and decision makers on both sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, for immediate action to end the current tragic situation in the Gaza Strip. We pray for the victims, the wounded and the broken-hearted. May the Lord God Almighty grant all those who have lost loved ones consolation and patience. We pray for all those living in panic and fear, that God may bless them with calm, tranquility and true peace.

We call on all to observe next Sunday, January 4, as a day for justice and peace in the land of peace.

Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

Patriarch Fuad Twal, Latin Patriarchate (Roman Catholic)

Patriarch Torkom II, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate

Fr. Pier Battista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custody of the Holy Land

Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate

Archbishop Swerios Malki Mourad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate

Abune Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate

Archbishop Paul Nabil Sayyah, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate

Bishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem & the Middle East

Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan & the Holy Land

Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

Bishop Youssef Zre'i, Greek Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

Fr. Raphael Minassian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

25 Actions for Peace in Palestine

2009-01-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

So far hundreds of civilians have been killed in Gaza. Five sisters in one family, four other children in another home, two children on a cart drawn by a donkey. Universities, colleges, police stations, roads, apartment buildings were all targeted. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian areas issued a statement that "The Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip represent s evere and massive violations of international humanitarian law as defined in the Geneva Conventions, both in regard to the obligations of an Occupying Power and in the requirements of the laws of war."

Twenty-five things to do to bring peace with justice:

1) First get the facts and then disseminate them. Here are some basic background information
http://www.btselem.org/english/Gaza_Strip
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article4933.shtml
http://www.mepeace.org/forum/topics/the-true-story-behind-this-war The true story behind this war
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/downloads/If%20Gaza%20falls.pdf If Gaza Falls
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article10055.shtml Gaza massacres must spur us to action

2) Contact local media. Write letters to editors (usually 100-150 words) and longer op-eds (usually 600-800 words) for local newspapers. But also write to news departments in both print, audio, and visual media about their coverage. In the US http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/ You can find media listings in your country using search engines like google

3) Contact elected and other political leaders in your country to urge them to apply pressure to end the attacks. In the US, Contact the State Department at 202.647.5291, the White House 202-456-1111
the Egyptian Embassy 202.895.5400, Email (embassy@egyptembassy.net) and the Obama Transition Team 202-540-3000 (then press 2 to speak with a staff member).

4) Organize and join demonstrations in front of Israeli and Egyptian embassies or when not doable in front of your parliament, office of elected officials, and any other visible place (and do media work for it).

5) Hold a teach-in, seminar, public dialogue, documentary film viewing etc. this is straightforward: you need to decide venue, nature, if any speakers, and do some publicity (the internet helps).

6) Pass out flyers with facts and figures about Palestine and Gaza in your community (make sure also to mention its relevance to the audience: e.g, US taxpayers paying for the carnage, increase in world instability and economic uncertainty)

7) Put a Palestinian flag at your window.

8) Wear a Palestinian head scarf (Koufiya)

9) Wear Black arm bands (this helps start conversations with people)

10) Send direct aid to Gaza through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). http://www.un.org/unrwa/

11) Initiate boycotts, divestments and sanctions at all levels and including asking leaders to expel the Israeli ambassadors (an ambassador of an apartheid and rogue state). See Palestinian call http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article10056.shtml

12) Work towards bringing Israeli leaders before war crime courts (actions along those lines in courts have stopped Israeli leaders from traveling abroad to some countries like Britain where they may face charges)

13) Calling upon all Israelis to demonstrate in front of their war ministry and to more directly challenge their government

14) Do outreach: to neighbors and friends directly. Via Internet to a lot of others (you can join and post information to various listservs/groups).

15) Start your own activist group or join other local groups (simple search in your city with the word Palestine could identify candidate groups that have previously worked on issues of Palestine). Many have also been successful in at bringing coalitions from different constituencies in their local areas to work together (human rights group, social and civil activists, religious activists, etc).

16) Develop a campaign of sit-ins at government offices or other places where decision makers aggregate

17) Do a group fast for peace one day and hold it in a public place

18) Visit Palestine (e.g. with http://www.sirajcenter.org)

19) Support human rights and other groups working on the ground in Palestine

20) Make large signs and display them at street corners and where ever people congregate.

21) Contact local churches, mosques and other houses of worship and ask them to take a moral stand and act. Call on your mosque to dedicate this Friday for Gaza actions.

22) Sign petitions for Gaza, e.g.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/98.php?cl_tf_sign=1

23) Write and call people in Gaza

24) Work with other groups that do not share your political views (factionalism and excessive divisions within activist communities allowed those who advocate war to succeed).

25) Dedicate a certain time for activism for peace every day (1 hour) and think of more actions than what is listed above.

For support and contacts of people in Gaza or to volunteer, please contact the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People, via gaza@imemc.org, or call 989-607-9480 (from the US and Canada) or 972 2277 2018 (from other places)

Don't be fooled!!!

2008-12-28T15:25:00.010-05:00

Watch the media very carefully! Don't believe what you hear to actually be the truth! The American media is absolutely and completely biased for the Israeli cause; this goes so far as to totally leave out the Palestinian story, even to the point of falsifying the story in favor of Israel.

In the past 48 hours, Israel has attacked Gaza and killed over 270 people, most of whom were innocent civilians, in "retaliation" for Hamas missile attacks on towns in southern Israel. And there is a mounting Israeli land invasion massing on the Gazan border. What you don't hear is this: There was only one (1!!!) Israeli casualty, and only a hand full of the home-made missiles launched toward Israel actually exploded. In fact the vast majority don't even reach their intended targets. Hamas and Gaza do not pose a threat to the military super-power of Israel. This is truly David fighting against Goliath (only the Israelis are now Goliath, and the Palestinians now David). And though I don't condone any violent acts on the part of the Palestinians, it is understandable since, even though Israel pulled out of Gaza, they have completely blockaded the Strip by closing all land borders and have complete control of all Gazan air and water space. The Egyptians have not helped the situation either by closing its border with Gaza too. This has left the Palestinian people in Gaza completely at the mercy of the Israelis for any food, medical and other supplies. They and the Palestinians in the West Bank are prisoners in their own homes and cites.

THESE ATROCITIES MUST END NOW!!! Please write to your representatives in Congress and to the President and President-Elect immediately!
President Bush: president@whitehouse.gov
President-Elect Obama: http://change.gov/page/content/contact/
Senate: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
House: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

And since pictures speak much louder than words, I'll leave you with these which were sent to me by a friend in the West Bank.

S'brent!

2008-12-28T01:34:00.002-05:00

"S'brent" by Mordechai Gebirtig written in 1938; a prophetic warning against the devastating tragedy of the Jewish Holocaust in Europe under the Nazi regime.
Let us never forget those atrocities. We must cry out against such outragious acts, which ironicly include the current acts of ethnic cleansing being perpetrated by Zionist Israeli Jews against the Palestinian Arabs, especially in the last 2 weeks in Gaza.

Our town is burning, brothers, burning
Our poor little town is burning.
Angry winds are fanning higher
The leaping tongues of flame and fire,
The evil winds are roaring!
Our whole town burns!

And you stand looking on with folded arms,
And shake your heads.
You stand looking on, with folded arms,
While the fire spreads!

Our town is burning, brothers, burning,
Our poor little town is burning.
Tongues of flame are leaping,
The fire through our town goes sweeping,
Through roofs and windows pouring.
All around us burns.

And you stand looking on with folded arms,
And shake your heads.
You stand looking on, with folded arms,
While the fire spreads!

Our town is burning, brothers, burning,
Any moment the fire may
Sweep the whole of our town away,
And leave only ashes, black and gray,
Life after a battle, where dead walls stand,
Broken and ruined in a desolate land.

And you stand looking on with folded arms,
And shake your heads.
You stand looking on, with folded arms,
While the fire spreads!

Our town is burning, brothers, burning,
All now depends on you.
Our only help is what you do.
You can still put out the fire
With your blood, if you desire.
Don’t look on with folded arms,
And shake your heads.
Don’t look on with folded arms
While the fire spreads.

Remembering Bethlehem at Christmas

2008-12-22T14:49:00.004-05:00

If a picture does say a thousand words, then this one is surely no exception. I took this picture about a month ago in Bethlehem near the main Bethlehem check-point into the West Bank from Jerusalem. The mural is painted on the West Bank side of the Apartheid Wall; the Wall that now surrounds and cuts off the city where Christ was born 2000 years ago.

I wonder what it would be like if Christ were born in Bethlehem today... Would he be Jewish, since no Jews live in Bethlehem now, or Palestinian (only Christian and Muslim Palestinians live in Bethlehem now)? Would shepherds come from Beit Sahour (the location of the Shepherds' Fields), where militant Israeli settlers are stealing every inch of land they can? Would (or could) the Magi pay homage to the new-born Messiah, being that the city is now completely surrounded by the Wall (and not to mention that the Magi were from modern-day Iran). Could the Holy Family flee to Egypt from the encroaching terror of an enraged and psychotic king, since a majority of the residents of Bethlehem are not allowed to exit the West Bank?

The Holy Land is a much different place than it was 2000 years ago, yet it faces many of the same problems as it did then. Military occupation and imposed government inflicted terrible poverty upon the people of ancient Judea and Galilee, much like the people in the West Bank today. Religious tentions between waring factions (i.e. Pharisees/Sadusees/etc. of old, and Jews/Christians/Muslims of today) often fail to see the suffering and death caused by stubborn pride. And yet Christ was born there, in a stable (a shack or perhaps even a cave). He was born to poor parents; to a young mother who had not known her husband-to-be. Jesus was born in a world of sorrows and pain, in many ways like our world today.

During this Christmas season, let us remember that Christ came into the world to bring light and hope. He came to bring healing, reconciliation and peace among all people. He came to bring life, abundant life, to a world that is being swallowed by grief, anxiety, and death. And now we, who have tasted and seen what that Child brought to earth so many years ago, must continue to be beacons of that light and hope in the world of today. Whether we're in a war-torn Bethlehem, or a poverty-torn town, a grief-torn family, a disease-torn body, we have a hope in One who has overcome this world.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." ~St. John 1:5 (NRSV)

Occupation 101

2008-12-18T00:47:00.001-05:00

"We are here near there"

2008-12-17T14:53:00.003-05:00

We are here near there, thirty doors to a tent.

We are here between pebbles and shadows,
a place for a sound, a place for freedom or
any place that has rolled off a mare or scattered
out of a calling or a bell.

We are here, soon we will puncture this siege,
soon we will liberate a cloud and depart in
ourselves. We are here near there, thirty
doors to a wind, thirty has-beens.

We teach you to see us, know us, hear us,
touch our blood in peace. We teach you our
salaam. We may or may not love the road
to Damascus, Mecca, or Kairouan.

We are here in us. A sky for August, a sea for
May, a freedom for a horse, and we ask of
the sea that it haul out the blue circles
around the smoke.

We are here near there, thirty shapes and
thirty shadows to a star.

-Mahmoud Darwish (tr.: Fady Joudah)

Torn...

2008-12-10T15:53:00.003-05:00

Coming back to the States... well Tennessee really... has been a mix of emotions. I've been giddy from reunions with longed-for faces, and hoarse from telling people a billion times what I was doing over in Palestine. I kind of feel like a broken record sometimes. But it's a story/experience that I'm happy to tell.

Starbucks has been a less than thrilling reunion. It is amazing how affluence has completely corrupted so many people (not that I'm immune either!). But it is rather disconcerting... and disgusting. We'll be looking for an escape route from that 'hell-mouth' (thank you Laura) soon!

All this aside, what I've honestly been dreading is facing the discernment process (for the priesthood) again. I've sought advice from many sources... priests, friends, etc..... and have found that there are two distinct camps: those who cautiously advise me to stay in East Tennessee and begin the discernment process over, and those that think I should definitely leave and start over again somewhere else. I called the bishop this afternoon (... left a message...) hoping to get his opinion. From here, I just don't know what to do. In my mind I've decided to reapply here in East Tennessee, but my heart is hesitant, and I don't like to act without my heart/instincts behind me. But time is running out to make that decision.

Clearly, I feel called to the priesthood. Clearly, I have gifts and talents and passion for ministry. Clearly, the Church everywhere I've been thus far has affirmed my calling (with the only exception of the E. TN Commission on Ministry's decision last year). Clearly, I'm sick of being in limbo and working crap jobs to make ends meet (and sometimes they do actually meet... sometimes).

I want to get on with my life. But if I must wait, I want to wait on the Lord and his timing and direction, and not wait for the wrong reason (whatever that might be, or whose fault that might be). But for now, I will be content and faithful with what God has placed before me in this moment and time. "Let go, and let God" they say... as cliche as that sounds, it is my best option at this point.

If you have any advice, I'm hearing everyone out!!!

Chasing Snakes 10K Road Race

2008-11-30T17:15:00.002-05:00

Letter to a Friend

2008-11-26T15:42:00.004-05:00

by Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1513)

I am your friend
and my love for you goes deep.
There is nothing I can give you
which you do not have:
but there is much, very much
that while I cannot give it,
you can take.

No heaven can come to us
unless our hearts find rest
in today. Take heaven!
No peace lies in the future
which is not hidden
in this present little instant.
Take peace!

The gloom of the world is but a shadow.
Behind it, yet within reach, is joy.
There is radiance and glory
in the darkness, could we but see,
and to see we have only to look.
I beseech you to look!

Life is so generous a giver,
but we, judging its gifts by
the covering, cast them away
as ugly, or heavy or hard.
Remove the covering and
you will find beneath it
a living splendor,
woven of love,
by wisdom, with power.

Welcome it, grasp it,
touch the angel's hand
that brings it to you.
Everything we call a trial,
a sorrow, or a duty, believe me,
that angel's hand is there,
the gift is there, and the wonder
of an overshadowing presence.
Our joys, too, be not
content with them as joys.
They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

Life is so full of meaning and purpose,
so full of beauty,
beneath its covering—
that you will find earth
but cloaks your heaven.

Courage, then, to claim it, that is all.
But courage you have,
and the knowledge that
we are all pilgrims together,
wending through unknown country, home.

And so, at this time, I greet you,
not quite as the world sends greetings,
but with profound esteem
and with the prayer that for you
now and forever, the day breaks,
and the shadows flee away.

...headed home...

2008-11-18T04:32:00.005-05:00

After a great weekend in Nablus & Ramallah (well... most of it was wonderful at least), I've been getting a few final things together to return home. It's been a bit difficult though since I lost my wallet on Sunday in a taxi. There wasn't anything that can't be replaced... only a bank card, driver's licence and a little cash. I'm just thankful it wasn't my passport and it happened only 2 days before leaving!

Saying goodbye really sucks! Especially when you're not sure when you'll see your friends again. But this is life, I suppose. We're making tentative plans to meet up again next year. I'm really going to miss everyone here. ugh... (I just need to find a job that pays a bit more than what I was making before to afford travelling again... hint, hint to any readers out there...).

So, this time tomorrow I'll be on a plane back home and will arrive in DC around 7pm Wednesday evening... I'm excited to see family and friends again (and especially Thanksgiving next week! woo!). 'Twill be good!

The Peace of Wild Things

2008-11-13T03:51:00.013-05:00

The Peace of Wild Things

-Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

My time here in Palestine is coming to an end. I'm currently wrapping up (at least my end of) two projects. The first is a project of developing and organizing HCEF's volunteer and internship program. What is exciting for me is that my work is already being utilized. In the beginning of January, there is a group of students who will be coming for a month to complete various projects in the Bethlehem area. It's good to see that what you have done is making a difference (though perhaps in very small way) here in Palestine. The second project is a forum for youth/young adults (shabibeh in Arabic) to come together and discuss their own ideas and dreams for their city, generation, etc., and have church and community leaders present and willing to work with these young people toward attaining these goals. This will, of course, be an ongoing project, but one that will be able to get a more permanent, ongoing youth program going with HCEF.

Something I haven't written much about (due to some conflicts in the area) is some of our efforts with an ad hoc committee to save Oush Ghrab, an area of Beit Sahour that Israeli settlers are attempting to annex. The settlers have been coming every few weeks since May in an attempt to "demonstrate facts-on-the-ground" (which of course are completely false) that would strengthen their argument in Israeli courts for their claims to the land. The land is, however, clearly part of Beit Sahour. This past Sunday, we gathered again in Oush Ghrab to fly kites and play soccer with kids in the park (which in the valley) while the settlers were demonstrating on the hilltop. To our delight they never showed up and we flew the kites up on top. It was a great day! Many of the kids brought their parents with them, many of whom hadn't been to the top of Oush Ghrab since the Israelis pulled out thier military units 2 1/2 years ago. One of the parents even pointed out the room in which he had been tortured by the IDF during the 80's. It was good to see such a positive thing happen in a place that needs a lot of redemption.

I recently reread a portion of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's No Future Without Forgiveness, and was again humbled by his words. It's easy to get caught up on one side or another of a conflict, especially when there is so much injustice that is blatantly inflicted by an illegal occupation. It is too easy to hate. It is too easy to be cynical (yes, this is coming from a rather cynical person). The noble and high road is much more difficult a task to take, but it's the road we've been called to follow. It's the road Christ has led us down. Instead of hatred, we've been called to love. Instead of cycism, we're called to ideals and hope. Instead of vengance, we're called to forgive. Only in forgiveness will the ongoing cycle of violence finally come to an end. Some say, "They've been fighting 'over there' since the beginning of time." But haven't we all? There is no culture that has a clean record. We've all been fighting and killing each other for as long as anyone can remember. ... Does anyone remember what Jesus taught? "To the one who strikes you on one cheek, turn the other to him also." ... "Those who live by the sword, die by the sword." ... "Love your enemies, and bless those who curse you." Let us pray that our "enemies'" hearts might be turned, and that our hearts might be turned as well, and that in the end we will find we are all truly brothers like Jacob and Esau, estranged, but reconciled in the end through forgiveness.

they say...

2008-11-05T04:02:00.001-05:00

They say, “A friend is someone who knows the song of your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” I’m thankful to have several of these friends in my life. Two of whom have said things to me in the last 24 hours that have encouraged and reminded me who I am. It’s funny… I really would have no idea who I really was without my friends. They are blessings that should be held onto with both hands.

I’m thankful for even the few words that were said. They truly meant a lot! I love you both! (you should know who you are!)

.......

On a completely different subject:

We've just witnessed one of the most historic presidential elections in US history. Certainly the most expensive. But will Obama bring the change he promises? After all, all things pass away... all things change. What will this change look like?

Its been interesting watching the international community here in Palestine (with the Palestinians included) and their anticipation of the US election. Interestingly, I didn't meet even one person here that supported McCain. Obama, to them, represents a hope for an America that will live up to the greatness and righteousness it projects in its own propagandic rhetoric.

I must admit, I am also pleased by the results of the election. However, I am ever the cynic. Certainly, the world could not afford another Bush administration. He has done an amazing job at screwing up everything in his path internationally and domestically. Change, positive change, is a long time in coming. Again I say, will Obama bring the change he promises?

In the end, politicians are politicians. Let's not put our hope in someone or something that is weak and passing away. As St. Teresa of Avila said, "Consider seriously how quickly people change, and how little trust is to be had in them; and hold fast to God, Who does not change."

This new administration will come and go, just as thousands of administrations, regimes, and kingdoms have in the past. Let us, instead, put our hopes in things that are eternal.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~Matthew 6:19-21

hanging out with friends...

2008-10-31T10:09:00.009-04:00

...Friends in Beit Sahour...

Weekend Update

2008-10-27T02:34:00.011-04:00

“Thanks Tina”… it was a great way to end one week and start another (the weekend, that is...). On Thursday, Parker and I ran into our new friend Liam who told us that he was meeting up with a few people coming in from out of town at a restaurant called the Citadel in Beit Sahour. It was a very fun evening of eating, drinking and dancing… probably with the worst excuse for a DJ in all of Palestine. It was fun none the less.

We had to get up early on Friday, though, and meet Martha (from Norway) and her father, Shveti (sp?), at 6:00 to catch a ride to Ramallah where we would meet up with others who were harvesting olives in Kafr Qaddum, near Nablus. When we arrived, however, we discovered that the IDF (Israeli Defense Force / army) had already arrived and closed the entire area. Evidently some Israeli settlers had arrived previously and were demonstrating to annex the land on which we were about to help harvest. The showdown between the Palestinian farmers and the IDF had already begun when we got there. About 20-30 minutes later, we were pushed out (literally) by the IDF… leaving, of course, the Israeli settlers on top of the hill (well within the ‘Closed Military Zone’) to do as they pleased.

Eventually, after making a second attempt to help the farmers of Kafr Qaddum harvest their olives (again being forced out by the IDF), we met with the mayor of the town, who explained the recent history of the surround areas and how the Israeli settlements were spreading throughout the area, cutting them off from their own farmlands. The town recently had to build an access road around the settlements because their old road (previously the only access road to the town) had been blocked off by the IDF for “security” reasons.

We returned to Ramallah and had pizza with Martha and Shveti before going back to Bethlehem.

On Saturday, Parker and I finally had the opportunity to actually pick olives in Beit Sahour at our friends’ permaculture farm. We harvested about 4 ½ trees before it started raining. Parker even had a chance to use his nursing skills on a fellow harvester who fell out of a tree.

The permaculture farm is a strange place. Very nice people, but it tends to attract from those on the ‘periphery’ of society. A perfect example of this was the circus that is currently staying at the farm. We couldn’t quite figure out if they were practicing for their performance that evening or practicing their Kama Sutra (…or both?). Seriously though, this circus travels around the world with a message of peace, mutual understanding, and hope. They tailor-make each act for the culture/situation they are in. As I said, interesting place/people… did I mention that their dog was named Chlamydia? yeah...

We met up with some friends for the evening and went to a goodbye party for Andrew (a friend who works with Paidia). After that party, we needed a little extra sleep the next morning. But Sunday was wonderful. Liam met Parker and me for lunch. We just hung out in Bethlehem for a few hours watching the tourists. Really, the tourists who come to Bethlehem are so strange; they’re always fun to watch. We were invited to a baptism at the Nativity Church that afternoon. …for you ‘immersionists’ that baby was dunked 3 times!

Later that evening we went over to Olga and Roberto’s place in Beit Sahour for dinner. It was fantastic! Roberto… you can cook for me anytime! But it’s our turn next time!

The longer I spend here in Palestine, the more I’m falling in love with it. I’m not sure I know why specifically. I suppose it seems less and less foreign to me as time goes on. I like that there is an international community here of people working in various NGOs and appreciate how they are integrated with the local Palestinian population, as well.

Anyway, it was a very good weekend filled with friends. My thoughts were often of home, wondering what the family was up to in preparing for my grandfather’s funeral. I spoke with Dad the other night, and it seems everyone is doing their part (as only the Powell’s know how). I’m sure it was quite a party. :)

And.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

A prayer...

2008-10-24T14:51:00.007-04:00

A prayer I composed/compiled/edited for my grandfather's funeral on Sunday:

O GOD, Father and Creator of us all, your days are without end, and your mercies cannot be numbered: We come before you, deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of human life. Let your Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, when we have accomplished our goals on earth and run the race to completion, we may be gathered to our brothers and sisters who have gone before us in the communion of the Body of Christ, with the confidence of a certain faith and perfect hope.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death. And by rising from the dead, you trampled down death forever and now bestow upon all those in the grave eternal life: Grant that we may follow in faith the path of life where you have led, even though that path may be dark and uncertain, knowing that you will never leave nor forsake us.

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but now can no longer see, especially today our brother in the Lord, our husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend: Robert, Bob, Pop, GG. Grant him your peace; let your perpetual light shine upon him; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in him the good purpose of your perfect will.

Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life: Raise us all, we humbly pray, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; that when we depart this life we may rest in him, and at the resurrection receive that blessing which your beloved Son shall then pronounce: "Come, good and faithful servant, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world."

Father, grant to all of us who are mourning the spirit of faith and courage, that we may have endurance to meet the days to come with strength and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those we love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Mixed Bag

2008-10-22T04:36:00.011-04:00

The past few days have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, excitement and anxiety, joy and sorrow.

In my last post, I mentioned efforts of the citizens of Beit Sahour/Bethlehem/Beit Jala to save a piece of land called Oush Ghrab (currently administered by the Beit Sahour Municipality) for annexation to Israeli settlements. The title to the land is held by the Jordanian government and is now in the process of being handed over the town of Beit Sahour. However, in the meantime, the Israeli settlements, which now almost completely surround the Bethlehem area, want this piece of land to connect the settlements together. If this happens, the Bethlehem area would be completely surrounded and choked off from the rest of Palestinian controlled areas in the West Bank (which are shrinking everyday due to Israeli settlement encroachment).

Last Thursday, the Israeli settlers were demonstrating on the top of the hill at Oush Ghrab in efforts to secure it as their own. In an effort to stand in solidarity with the people of Beit Sahour/Bethlehem, we attended a counter-effort to demonstrate that the Palestinian native people have a deep rooted connection to their land, including Oush Ghrab. There were several activities that took place (Frisbee games, soccer, music, and an ecological/wildlife/nature walk around Oush Ghrab).When we arrived on Thursday morning, the Israeli army and police were already at the top of the hill. They informed us that the top of the hill of Oush Ghrab was a “Closed Military Zone” and nobody was permitted to enter (…except, of course, the Israeli demonstrators, whom they were protecting). But we went ahead with our activities as planned around the bottom of the hill and in the park. The Israelis were not pleased or amused at all (needless to say), and proceeded to be quite aggressive against us. In the end, however, I believe our voice was heard loud and clear (whether or not it’s taken into consideration is a completely different matter.) …more stories about this when I get home!

By the way, Beit Sahour is a town right next to Bethlehem (I can literally walk to Beit Sahour in 3 minutes from where I'm staying!). It is the site of the Shepherd's fields, where the angels proclaimed "peace and good-will" to the earth. Slightly ironic, if you ask me.

At any rate, our plans were to leave for Jordan on Friday morning. The bus to Eilat left at 7:00am from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and it would have been impossible to travel to Jerusalem from the West Bank that early. So we stayed the night in Jerusalem back at the Faisal Hostel (the same one we stayed in when I arrived). The 4-hour ride South was mostly uneventful. The boarder crossing from Eilat to Aqaba was remarkably easy. There was almost nobody crossing, and we basically floated through both boarder controls (Israeli & Jordanian) in less than 30 minutes.

In Aqaba we stayed with friends (cousins of the family Parker is staying with … again, I’ll leave their names out for their own protection). They have a wonderful home, and a wonderful family. It was a delight to get to see the real life of Palestinians outside of Palestine. They took Parker and me to Wadi Rum Desert Service, which offers travel packages to Wadi Rum and Petra. Our tour included a guided “jeep safari” through the Wadi Rum desert (absolutely wonderful!), a Bedouin dinner, breakfast and tent for the night, and transportation to Petra and then on to Amman. For 100JD it was a pretty good deal, if you ask me!

The Wadi Rum was amazingly beautiful. If you ever go to Jordan, you’ll not want to miss it! It’s like being on another planet… sandy desert with sheer rock mountains rising out of the dunes.

We stayed the night in the Bedouin camp and traveled to Petra the next morning. What a spectacular place. Words don’t do justice to treasure trove of amazingly preserved archeological monuments there.

After entering Petra through the Siq, the first thing you see is the Treasury. You’ll all remember Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed here at the Treasury. It’s spectacular! After this we climbed up the Sacrificial High Place. They had to want to sacrifice animals pretty darn bad to have to climb all the way up there to do it! The gods should have given them bonus points just for the getting up there … not to mention dragging some poor animal up with them. We then walked through the main street past the Roman Theatre and hiked WAY up to Al Deir (the Monastery). I was slightly thirsty when we got to the top, but it was well worth the hike.

These monuments were carved out of the sheer, solid rock-face of the mountain. They weren't built in front of a cave. Astonishing!

And of course, we just had to ride the camels on the way back!

We arrived in Amman that evening and hung out with some friends. It was good to hang out with people our own age (actually they were a little younger than me… I’m getting old…hahaha!)

Monday morning, we crossed back over the Jordan River via the Allenby Bridge… and what a pain in the butt that was! I was interrogated 5 times by the Israelis, presumably because of the Syrian and Lebanese stamps in my passport. (Please remind me to get a new passport before I leave the country again!)

On a sad note though, I received two e-mails when I got back to Bethlehem from Mom and Dad to call home ASAP. My grandfather ("GG") passed away over the weekend. Grandma said she was thankful because he was only in pain for about an hour or so, and he was at home up until the end. She is right, it could have been much worse. I’m terribly sad not to be home right now to be with family. It’s strange to grieve by yourself so far from home, but I’ve been encouraged by so many of my friends and family, and am thankful for that. The family, however, has told me not to come home and to continue what I’m doing here. I have mixed feelings about that, but will complete what I’ve started. I’m going to compose a prayer for the service, which is to take place on Sunday, and am glad that I’ll be there in some tangible way, if not physically.

It's been an interesting week, thus far...

2008-10-15T17:03:00.003-04:00

There have been several events in Beit Sahour this week (and some yet to come) in an effort to save a piece of land from Israeli settlement encroachment. Non-violence and peace-making is the m.o. of these efforts: music, dance, tree-planting, sports, lectures... all to show that the Palestinian people are connected to and love their land. There are plans to build a children's hospital on this piece of land, but the plans have been put on hold because of the settlers' continued demonstrations there.

Here's a video that explains a bit more about the area & situation:

We're going into Jordan for the weekend... Aqaba, Petra, Amman. It should be amazing!

"EINS, ZWEI, G'SUFFA!!!"

2008-10-13T06:42:00.003-04:00

"Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit Gemutlichkeit" was the chant as Parker and I entered the main festival tent at Taybeh Oktoberfest this weekend. What Oktoberfest is complete without a Bavarian Folk Band (naturally)? However, it was still quite a shock to see one in Palestine. Germans are the goofiest people on earth; unabashedly prideful of their heritage... feathered hats, lederhosen and all! And to top it off, they toasted the crowd after EVERY song, in true German fashion.

The festival was replete with music, dancing, food ... and of course, plenty of beer! Many of the products produced in Taybeh and the surrounding region were on display and for sale: olive oil, soaps, honey, traditional baked goods, olive wood, etc. The donuts were quite tasty as well! The annual Oktoberfest is especially designed to attract as many internationals as possible to the festival (in addition to many Palestinians); a genius way to get people out to this remote town to share their culture and lives while boosting their economy, and at the same time non-violently resisting the occupation by merely attending.

Palestinians LOVE their Dabkeh (traditional dance). There were several Dabkeh groups performing. I really liked the group from the Latin Patriarchate School in Taybeh. Later in the evening there was even a Palestinian Hip-Hop group! Very funny... they weren't bad either. Here's a clip of the Patriarchate School Dabkeh group:

Taybeh, which means 'delicious' in Arabic, is the only micro-brewery in Palestine and curently exports their beer to Belgium and Japan. Taybeh Dark (of course) was my personal favorite. Maybe we can convince some of our local pubs to start ordering from Taybeh... Accoustic Coffee House in JC perhaps???

Walking from the brewery back to the festival area, we got to see a little more of the town. Along the way, I noticed this Catholic church. What a fantasically terrible (and wonderful) idea to put an ATM on the front of your church?! Yes, that's an ATM all right! (...Fr. Hal, what do you think? No more excuses of forgetting to bring an offering each week! hahaha!)

We spent the night with some new friends in Ramallah. Muhammed, one of the roommates in the apartment, shared some of his story with us as we sat around in the living room eating fried-chicken and smoking hookah. He spent some time living in Herzliya (north of Tel Aviv) incognito as an Israeli in order gain a better understanding of the Israeli mindset. He had been living there for a few years when he decided to tell some of his friends that he was really a Palestinian, and his name was Muhammed. At first they didn't believe him, but he insisted they know who he really was. They immediately disowned him, and his best friend went to the Russian mofia (which is pretty powerful in Israel) to put a hit on him! Amazing story. He is now working with an organization in Ramallah to put a stop to the building of the Segregation/Aparteid Wall. Many times he emphasized to us that it is too late for a "Two State Solution" and that Palestinians and Israelis must live together with equal peace and justice... "no peace without justice, and no justice without peace; they must be equal." He has a truly amazing and inspirational story. I hope we'll get to see him again before we leave.

On our way back to Taybeh on Sunday, we decided to get some breakfast in Ramallah when we ran into this traffic cop in Ramallah. This guy LOVES his job! Evidently he's fairly famous... there are several videos of him on YouTube.

The return trip to Bethlehem/Beit Jala through Jerusalem was a pain. The Israelis were stopping all the buses heading South into the West Bank (note: we were in Israel, not yet in the West Bank). We were leaving Israeli controlled territory! The only reason for check-points such as this (and all check-points, for that matter) is not for security! It is purly for humiliation! Israel does whatever it likes in the name of "security" and thinks it can get away with it (and does get away with it because the international community is silent.) It's about time for our government to stand up to its "only ally in the Middle East" and say what it's doing is wrong. Unfortunately, this would be a case of the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn't it?

And finally... a face only a mother could love...

very excited...

2008-10-09T16:39:00.007-04:00

We're going to Taybeh, just northeast of Ramallah, this weekend for an Oktoberfest celebration sponsored by the local municipality. Taybeh has Palestine's only local brewery. I must say, I'm pretty impressed by what I've had thus far. Live music, dance, food and other cultural events are also scheduled for the event. Should be a great time! Update later this weekend!

AIC: Alternative Information Cafe

2008-10-08T06:48:00.007-04:00

Since our first week in the West Bank, Parker and I have been going out to the AIC on Tuesdays and Saturdays (when we're in town). I've mentioned our visits briefly in privious posts. Each week, they have guest speakers or have a film screening on subjects dealing with Palestinian culture, religion and socio-political situation, including the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Two of the films that have been shown since I've been here were greatly informative. The first film, entitled La Terra Parle Arabe (tr: The Land Speaks Arabic), focused on the ethnic cleansing of Palestine by the Zionist movement (btw: zionism has nothing to do with religion - Jewish or Christian - it is a secular European Jewish movement begun during the late 19th century). Citing original source documents, eye-witness and victim testimonies, along with interviews with historians, the film demonstrated that the expulsion of the indigenous Arab-Palestinian population from Palestine was far from an accidental outcome of the 1948 war, and was in fact the illegal and immoral planned ethnic-cleansing of the Palestinian people from their Palestinian homeland.

The second film, entitled Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land: U.S. Media and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, is a documentary aimed to show how misrepresentations in U.S. media coverage have supported false perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film evaluates the ways in which American foreign policy interests and American elites (political and private) work in relation with and reaction to Israeli PR strategies to influence how the news from the region is reported. Various questions are raised regarding the ethics and role of journalism, and the relationship between media, politics, and public opinion. Here is a short film trailor:

Additionally, and on a lighter note, the AIC attracts many internationals who are working in the area in a variety of NGOs. The atomosphere is rich with a wide range of perspectives and ideas. It's been a joy each week to meet new friends and have good conversation.

weekend in Ramallah

2008-10-05T15:03:00.009-04:00

Parker and I went to Ramallah this weekend. We took the 21 to Jerusalem and then the 18 to Ramallah, instead of going all the way around Jerusalem. I think it was the best move. It only took about 1 1/2 hours (if that) to get there... not too shabby, considering all the check-points. When we arrived in Ramallah, we decided to get our hotel room immediately so we wouldn't have to carry around our bags all day. This was the view from our hotel's balcony... just a typical day in Ramallah:

Almost immedately upon beginning our exporation, we ran into a new and improved version of Starbucks called "Stars & Bucks". I must say, Starbucks in the States are a FAR cry from this place! First, you don't have to stand in line; you're seated and waited upon. Next they have a much bigger selection, including a full line of dinners, smoothies, Arabic/Turkish coffee (which no true coffee shop should be without!), and best of all... cheesecake! Plus, you just gotta love the name... Stars & Bucks... priceless!

Just down the road from Stars & Bucks, we saw a sign for Kentucky Fried Chicken. I immediately thought of you, David. This one's for you.... although I don't think they have Original Recipe...

We ate a late lunch at the world famous Angelo's Pizza. It was excellent pizza, but I did think putting corn on pizza was a bit strange. It really hit the spot!

Ramallah is the place to go if you want some great prices! Did some shopping there (and will have to go back to do more!) I can't get into the details now of what I bought... that'll be part of the fun when I get back home!

After a nap back at the hotel, we decided to out and find some of the night life that was in our travel guide. I think our definition of "night life" must quite different from that of Palestinians, since all the placed advertised were either closed already by 9pm or they were just regular restaurants. Anyway, Parker and I ended up exploring the city a little more and went back to Stars & Bucks for some dessert.

I really like Ramallah. It's a much bigger city than Bethlehem, and noticably less tourists. I don't think I can remember seeing more than 10 the entire time we were there. But the city itself had a distinctive vibrance all of its own

On Sunday morning, we packed up and went back to Jerusalem for church at St. George's. Sunday was their Thanksgiving and there was a joint service with the Arabic speaking congregation. The only drawback of this was that we had to listen to two sermons (one in Arabic, the other in English). There was also a Palestinian guy sitting a couple rows in front of us who was singing so loudly (not to mention being completely off key and off beat), that I found it difficult to sing the English words to familiar hymns. Funny guy! Although the liturgy was a bit awkward (being bi-lingual in Arabic and English), it reminded me that we, though very different, all come to one table, to partake of one bread and one cup, and have one Lord. Our liturgies (and the sacraments themselves) are temporary necessities in this broken world; necessities that heal and bind us together, in spite of the chasms that divide us.

Here's a video of part of the postlude and interior of St. George's Nave:
After church, we ate lunch with the congregation. We met some people from Sabeel and EAPPI. One lady, named Maria (from Switzerland) was quite excited and expressive about thier work at the check-points. After lunch we walked around in the Old City, visited the Holy Sepulcher again (still didn't actually go into the tomb of Christ because of the long line), and did a little shopping before returning to Bethlehem/Beit Jala.

I also did a little laundry, which is alway pleasant when you're washing them in the shower and sink. I just can't ever rinse all the soap out.... alas...

update...

2008-10-03T07:03:00.005-04:00

...so, we returned to good ol' Tony's place on Wednesday evening to help him with an "internet problem". He said he couldn't figure out how to sign onto some website... I think he was full of it. Anyway, Tony was much more creepy and touchy than the time before. Just a strange individual all together. I think Parker was completely creeped out by him. There are tolerance levels of touchy-feely that everyone has. I don't think Parker or myself have much anxiety when it comes to "space-issues", but damn! This was way over the top for both of us!

But looking on the bright side, this is just one more example that Palestinians are regular human beings just like the rest of us.... they have their freaky weirdos too!

Here's a picture of Parker (with his haircut) and George (Ju Ju):

Last night, Parker and I took George to see Iron Man which was playing in the Peace Center in Bethlehem. Nothing too exciting to report about that.

We're going to Ramallah this weekend to scope out the town. Should be fun. I'm checking out a festival to go to next weekend in Taybeh (near Ramallah). Its their annual Oktoberfest, which is sponsored by the city and their local brewery. Should be fun. (http://www.taybehmunicipality.org/)

a couple more things...

2008-09-30T08:14:00.006-04:00

OK... second post of the day... I just have a couple of things to get out:

1. Yesterday evening, Parker and I went to dinner at "The Tent" in Beit Sahour. Lovely place, great food. We ran into a few friends there that we had met last week. After dinner, Parker needed to get home to Beit Jala, so I walked him through Bethlehem so he could catch a cab on the other end of town (it's cheaper fare if you don't have to go from one town to another...). We were in the main market in Bethlehem's old city, Bab ez-Zqaq, when I decided to buy some fruit. While I was in the store, Parker met this random guy (who looked European). It turned out that he was actually Palestinian, and he invited us to his home a few blocks away. It was funny, because the guy was a little effeminate, and fit all the stereotypical categories... he was a hair stylist, artist, sang in a German choir, 35 and unmarried... need I say more. And when we got to his house/salon (which he decorated himself), he wanted to cut Parkers hair (which did need cutting, by the way). Absolutely hilarious! Parker looked a bit uncomfortable, especially after 5 minutes of the guy washing his hair! Honestly, I almost burst out laughing when the guy, whose name was Tony, gave Parker a hug when he finished cutting his hair. Too funny! And he invited us to back to help him with some computer/internet problem that are in English... more on that when we go back on Wednesday. And, by the way, Tony did do a good job on Parker ... his hair! People get your mind out of the gutter! (hahaha!)

2. So yesterday was the last day of Ramadan, and today begins the Eid al-Fidr (or "Feast to Break the Fast". All well and good! Bethlehem has been completely packed, overwhelmingly packed, at night after sunset these last few days . Very fun and vibrant. Last night especially was crazy.
OK, so every morning around 4:00am, I hear the first Muslim call to prayer. I love it. One of the things I missed most about the Middle East was waking up to hear the call. It reminds me that I need to pray more often (only 4am seems a little too early to me... I think God's still asleep at that time too.) This morning was a little different, however. 4:00 came around, and there was the familiar Allah hu-akbar ("God is great") which begins the call to prayer (its always sung, by the way... enchantingly beautiful, usually). However, this morning the Allah hu-akbars went on for at least an hour and a half! I'm like.... Good Lord! Even the Orthodox don't go on and on like this! Needless to say, I had a little bit of an overdose this morning..... Just thought I'd share. (I love it all anyway!!!)

Weekend happenings & pictures...

2008-09-30T04:48:00.012-04:00

I've had a great few days since my last post. Parker and I hung out together most of the weekend.

On Friday afternoon, Parker dropped by the office and kidnapped me to go sight-seeing. We went go see the shepherd's field on the outskirts of Beit Sahour. It turns out there are two shepherd's fields (as there are with everything!), one Roman and the other Greek. There was a pretty cool looking church there, and we found that Mass was about to begin with a group of Spanish-speaking pilgrims.

Perhaps this is what the shepherds saw as they looked toward Bethlehem so many years ago. (Bethlehem is the town on the hill in the far distance.)

Walking back through Beit Sahour, we came across a famous mural. It is of a Palestinian throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a rock, bomb, etc. ...symbolizing the non-violent resistance against Israeli occupation. It's a powerful image that speaks loudly against stereotypes imposed on Palestinians especially by Western & Israeli media.

On Saturday, we made a day of sight seeing. Our first stop was at Mar Saba, a Greek-Orthodox monastery. It's about 15 miles outside of Beit Sahour toward Jericho in the "Judean Wilderness" (i.e. the desert). We caught a cab from Beit Sahour, and after getting a little turned around, we arrived at the monastery. Of course the monks wouldn't let us in, either because it was a "holiday" (i.e. Saturday) or we weren't Greek Orthodox. Damned Christians strike again!

Deserts have a beauty and mystique all of their own. It's truly amazing that in places so barren life can exist. A little bit of water goes a long way (even if its nasty water!)...

I stayed the night in Beit Jala with Parker & the family. On Sunday, Parker and I went to Jerusalem for Eucharist at St. George's Cathedral. It was wonderful to go to an English speaking Mass. There was a baptism that morning too in the font given to the cathedral by Queen Victoria about 100 years ago.

I just have to say something about the sermon! Well, it sucked! The delivery was okay, but it was the content that was just all fluff. Come on! You're in Jerusalem for God's sake (literally!), and Jesus is kicking some serious Pharisee bootie in the text (Matthew 21:23-32). The priest (some dude from Boston) preached about how your past/heritage is not your fault, and that Jesus loves you anyway. OK... but what the *#&$#! does that have to do with the text? Let's talk, instead, about who is doing the will of God: to love our neighbor as ourselves, even to the point of death. This is the gospel; this is the example and standard Jesus gave us! Why do we, as American Christians, continue to stand aside and allow our CHRISTIAN Palestian brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land to be oppressed and humiliated by an oppressive Israeli regime. Why do we stand by and allow horrible atrocities (i.e. the stealing of land, demolition of homes, constant oppressive presence in territories that are supposed to be controlled by Palestinian authorities, and the illegal imprisonment and murder of thousands of Palestinians!) to be committed against the Palestinian people. No wonder the Christians (the original Christians who have been here in the Holy Land since the time of Christ and the Apostles) are leaving this place (now less than 2% Christian from around 18% in 1948!) Let's stop messing around with the gospel! Jesus didn't come to give a fluffy message about feeling good about ourselves. He came to give his life for us, and we are called to do the same!

....and I'm done preaching (for now!) ;)

And (as a side note) it's alway encouraging to find Kroger Brand products on the shelves in Bethlehem! (At least I have yet to see a Starbucks! ...those are all in the illegal Israeli settlements! ...also, no sign of Walmart moving in either! God is truly merciful! They already have enough to deal with the Israeli ocupation as it is! Walmart, I think, would push people over the edge ... me too!)

2008-09-25T05:17:00.008-04:00

The last few days have been quite interesting and informative here at HCEF. I've been doing quite a bit of reading about many of their programs and reports from the past 10 years. Additionally, we've discussed the various needs of HCEF and ways in which I might be of assistance to them.

It seems as though they have had inquiries by some wishing to volunteer here over the past years, but as of yet HCEF wasn't in a position nor had the capacity to facilitate such endeavors, though there is always need for extra manpower for various projects. This is where I come in. Over the next couple months, I'm going to begin developing a more substancial volunteer/internship program for HCEF in order to make volunteering more accessable from both ends. On one hand, individuals will be better able to see which HCEF programs have needs for volunteer work; and on the other hand, HCEF will be better able to assess an individual's strengths and expertise through a more standardized application process. (Unlike me, who basically just e-mailed them and told them I was intersted and would be in region - to which they said come on by the office.) This way, a more developed game-plan can be developed long before an individual leaves for the Middle East. (I also have in mind to work with the DC office and include internship/volunteer opportunities they may have there.)

Anyway, so that's a basic run-down of what I'm doing right now. I must say, I really like this organization and the principles they stand for. HCEF works primarily to sustain the Palestinian Christian community in the Holy Land and build solidarity between them and fellow Christians world-wide. It's exciting to be a part of helping my brothers and sisters in Christ who are in real need here.

Last night, I moved into the guest house here at HCEF, which is right above where I work. It's about a 45-50 minute walk away from Beit Jala where Parker is staying, but I think I'll be walking it quite a bit, since it's kind of lonely over here in the empty guest house.

A couple of nights ago, we went to the AIC (Alternative Information Cafe) (http://www.alternativenews.org/aicafe/aicafe/) in Beit Sahour. The AIC has a program every Tuesday and Saturday evening on various subjects dealing with the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, mutual understanding, and non-violent/peace-keeping subjects. There was an Imam there on Tuesday night who gave a lecture on Ramadan (it's meaning, history and importance to Muslims, etc.) followed by a meal after sunset (when the fast ends for the day). There were a lot of foreigners there and we met some new friends. A lot of them (who were working with the Lutheran Church) were staying in Palestine for a year! Pretty impressive.

After the meeting, was a little concert in the cafe. Here are some pictures and a video (the video didn't turn out well, but you can hear some of the music).

2008-09-24T04:21:00.003-04:00

Psalm 85:9,11-12

I will hear what God proclaims;

the Lord - for he proclaims peace

To his people, and to his faithful ones,

and to those who put in him their hope.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

Justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

And justice shall look down from heaven.

a few pictures...

2008-09-23T08:29:00.005-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the last week in Jerusalem:

Jerusalem, from the Mount of Olives

The Church of All Nations, Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Getsemane

Me & Parker

Bethlehem..."the house of bread"

2008-09-22T10:21:00.005-04:00

God is truly generous! And so are the people in Bethlehem.

Parker left to go to Jerusalem to begin his work in the hospital, and I went into Bethlehem to search for the organizations I was e-mailing back in the States. I first tried to find HCEF, but wasn't able to find it... it turned out that I was right there at the building, and was it was just around a corner from the door. But I gave up looking for it and went to the Holy Land Trust, where Parker had shown me on Saturday. I met a guy there who knows Parker. We talked a little while and he brought me to HCEF (he let me borrow a cell phone too! great!)

I arrived at HCEF and met with Salim Lama, who is the Programs Director of HCEF in Bethlehem. He introduced me to the whole staff, and finally to George Gattas, the VP of HCEF in Bethlehem. We set a meeting for 2:00 this afternoon with Salim and George to discuss options for volunteering here at HCEF.

After returning to Holy Land Trust, I went to the Church of the Nativity and attending a Catholic Mass in Russian, and then ate lunch at a local cafe.

At 2:00, I met with George and Salim. They're putting me to work in developing their children/youth/young adults programs and integrating their pilgrimage program with it. I might be working on some advocacy efforts for communicating with Christians/Churches in the States. Its going to be very interesting work, and may even open doors for the future! They're even giving me a place to stay in their guest housing. (This will be a relief to the family Parker and I are staying with. They're house is quite full with two families living in it, plus the addition of Parker and me!)

God is truly generous! Bethlehem (the House of Bread)... it gives deeper meaning to "give us this day our daily bread"!!!

(I'll attempt to post pictures soon! I promise!)

2008-09-21T10:00:00.002-04:00

Parker and I made it to the West Bank yesterday, and joined the "fam" in Beit Jala. After a little tour of Beit Jala and Bethlehem, we came back to the house in Beit Jala. It was nice to see the Church of the Nativity again.

Parker and Esperanse began my language lessons. It's difficult, but I think with a lot of practice I'll pick it up pretty quickly.

After my lessons, we went to the wedding of some family friends at the Orthodox Church in Beit Jala and attend the extravagent party afterward. I was amazed at how much money must have been spent on that party... there must have been 600 people there; with a sit-down dinner to boot!

We're just hanging out at the house today. We watched a movie and hung out with the fam... tomorrow Parker begins work in Jerusalem and I'm going to HCEF office in Bethlehem to figure out what is going on. I'll keep you updated!

Love you all at home! Always nice to hear from you!

Jerusalem, my destiny.... errr destination...

2008-09-18T15:57:00.003-04:00

I finally arrived in Jerusalem last night after a long trip. Let me tell you, the seats on airplanes are not very comfortable to begin with, but especially so after recently having surgery in choice places... but such is life. I was hassled by the immigration officials in Madrid and Tel Aviv, I think mainly because I have stamps from Lebanon and Syria in my passport. Nothing too severe though. Still waiting on my bag to come in though; it's supposed to be here by tomorrow. I'm just glad I packed an extra set of clothes in my carry-on.

I took a scharute (sp?) from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and was dropped off a few blocks from the Old City. There is just something magical about the old walls of Jerusalem. I first came up to the Jaffa Gate, and decided to walk around the Old City to the Damascus Gate, instead of trying to risk the labyrinth of old roads through the Old City. Parker was a sight for sore eyes!! It was wonderful to see him in a sea of strange faces. After checking in to the hostel, we explored the Old City and made our way over to the Western Wall.

Today, we did some more exploring of the Old City and climbed the Mount of Olives. We must have walked 15 miles today, but it was a lot of fun. Tomorrow morning, Parker and I are going to St. George's Cathedral for Eucharist, and Saturday we'll travel to Beit Jala (near Bethlehem) for a wedding.

Lots of memories from my first trip to Jerusalem have been flooding my head all day. I'm remembering many of you, and wishing you were here to join us. Please remember us in your prayers!

Shalom, Salaam, Pax ~ RJ

Bags packed and ready to go...

2008-09-16T01:02:00.003-04:00

I had an amazing weekend at my brother's wedding. The weather was perfect, the parties were a blast, and the families... well, let's just say they were an interesting mix. I can't believe my little brother is married. And did I mention that I have a new sister! What an absolutely gorgeous bride! (There are lots of pictures of the weekend on my Facebook.)

I have really enjoyed spending time with my family over the last week. With some reluctance of leaving them, I'm eager to take off for the Middle East tomorrow afternoon. Thanks to you all for your support and prayers.

Wanted to share a blessing Mother Maggie Zeller gave me (from the Northumbria Community):
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Next time, in Jerusalem!

Flight Itenerary

2008-09-07T14:53:00.005-04:00

Flight Itenerary:

From Washington DC to Tel Aviv, Israel:

Tuesday, September 16, 2008From Washington, DC to Tel Aviv, Israel:
Iberia # 6188

Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) to Madrid Barajas (MAD)
Departure (IAD): September 16, 8:50 PM EDT (evening)
Arrival (MAD): September 17, 10:10 AM CEST (morning)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Iberia # 7866 Operated by: EL AL ISRAEL

Madrid Barajas (MAD) to Tel Aviv Yafo Ben Gurion Intl (TLV)
Departure (MAD): September 17, 11:45 AM CEST (morning)
Arrival (TLV): September 17, 5:30 PM IDT (evening)

--------------------------------

Return Trip to Washington, DC:

Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Iberia # 7867 Operated by: EL AL ISRAEL

Tel Aviv Yafo Ben Gurion Intl (TLV) to Madrid Barajas (MAD)
Departure (TLV): November 19, 6:20 AM IST (morning)
Arrival (MAD): November 19, 10:55 AM CET (morning)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Iberia # 6187

Madrid Barajas (MAD) to Washington Dulles Intl (IAD)
Departure (MAD): November 19, 4:10 PM CET (afternoon)
Arrival (IAD): November 19, 6:55 PM EST (evening)

The journey begins...

2008-08-25T22:48:00.003-04:00

Hello friends,

I'm still here in Johnson City, TN, and yet the journey has begun. Arrangements are being made, tickets and supplies purchased, and bags are being packed. It feels very strange to put life-as-usual on hold for a couple months.

This year has been a difficult road to travel. It seems that clarity is an allusive mirage, and the road beneath my feet is faint, if even perceptible at all. For friends too, life has been difficult. Life's twists and turns constantly change the view of the world around us. Though bewildering, these changes are not always bad news. And though the grief of time and distance and even death is a heavy burden, there is hope.

Over the past months, I've seen friends mourn the deaths of close friends and family, and other friends rejoice in the gifts of new members to their families. I've seen friends move close and others move away, and I've trudged alongside friends in work/financial woes. I'm looking forward to welcoming a new sister-in-law, and celebrating with my family. And all the while wondering where my own journey will lead me.

In only a few weeks time, I'll join my good friend Parker in the West Bank to meet and serve the people God places before us. There will, no doubt, be difficulties and challenges along the way. However, the blessing will be in the people we meet and lives cherished and known. Perhaps by going back to the places Jesus walked, I will finally begin to understand and live the life of peace that he lived and taught, not only in Palestine, but anywhere I am led.

May God's love and peace be with you. Feel free to comment!!!!!