Greetings from Jerusalem

By Fr. David Steffy, L.C., Chargé of the Holy See

August 16th, 2024 - Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

Dear Friends of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center,

Greetings from Jerusalem, united in our prayers and intentions for peace.

I apologize for not sending this letter at the beginning of the month. I kept delaying it due to the threats from Iran and Hezbollah to attack us. A week ago, it seemed that we here in the Holy Land would be besieged by aerial assaults of a strength and extent that we have not experienced before. I thought I would wait to see how things unfolded.

Thankfully, up to now, that has not happened. Yet, every night the news, as if on a loop, warns us that something is coming, and we brace ourselves, internally as well, for what might happen. Many of us pray to our guardian angels to wake us as soon as possible at the sound of the sirens so we can go to the nearest shelter. It does not always make for the most restful sleep.

Yet, despite the looming threat of violence and destruction, most people you talk to will say that they do not feel unsafe. People have not stopped living their normal lives to wait for what might happen. Even today, we see pictures of people filling the beaches of Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. It’s as if to say, “We will not stop living, no matter what you threaten us with.” The reaction is admirable, but the reality is very sad and one that is being played out almost everywhere in the world.

It is the insecurity of what might happen and the suffering that may follow that weighs heavily on us all, though mostly subconsciously, and if we are not careful, it can threaten the hope that sustains us. I suppose that is why most of my morning meditations these days have been on hope. Now is not the time to share those meditations, but my conclusion is always the same. I cannot place my hope in politics, power, or ideology. My hope is based in love, a love that is not an idea but a person. God is love incarnate in His Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered as a victim for all the evil and sin in the world. Yet, He died not as a victim but as the conqueror of sin and death through unconditional love. I am blessed that I have encountered that love because I know that many have not.

Therefore, I believe that if I strive to love others as He has loved me, that love might just be enough to keep the fire of hope alive in others, whether they know its source or not. What also kindles my hope, what helps me get out of bed, stop looking at the news, and focus on loving, is that I know that when I enter the dining room for breakfast here at Notre Dame Center, the first words I will hear from our employees are, “Thank God for everything.” Thankfulness and love— it sounds like a great recipe for hope.

Thank you again for your prayers and support, and I join you in praying for peace in the Holy Land, the return of the hostages, and a peaceful resolution of all hostilities, both in this region and throughout the world.

Sincerely in the Risen Lord,

Fr. David Steffy, LC