By Fr. David Steffy, L.C., Chargé of the Holy See
September 12th, 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.
While reflecting on what to share with you this month, I re-read a short letter that the Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pizzabella sent to his Churches in the Holy Land on August 9 in preparation for the feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15. I am sure it was not an easy letter to write since it is impossible to put the present situation in words. I found a lot to pray about in the first two paragraphs especially, so I share them here.
“Many months have now passed since the beginning of this terrible war. The suffering caused by this conflict and the dismay at what is happening are not only unabated but seem to be fueled again and again by hatred, resentment, and contempt, which only intensify the violence and push away the possibility of finding solutions. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to envision a conclusion to this conflict, whose impact on the lives of our people is greater and more painful than ever before. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find people and institutions with whom a dialog about the future and peaceful relations is possible. We all seem to be crushed by this present, which is characterized by so much violence and, admittedly, anger.”
The Patriarch describes a grim reality and begs the question of how we can sustain hope when confronted with this reality. Reflecting on this, it came to me that if our reality is our truth, then we are pretty much doomed. We might as well give up, and there definitely is the temptation to do so.
But I cannot accept that, and I hope you cannot either, because the external reality is circumstantial, it is not the foundation of my beliefs. I find the solution in truth (or Truth). Truth is more than our present reality. If our decisions reflect a belief in universal truths such as the innate dignity of the person, the fallen nature of man, redemption, and love as catalyst for forgiveness and redemption, then man-made realities based on free decisions that have brought us to where we are now, do not have the last word. Living in and by truth is the path to changing the realities of war, hostility, and mutual hate. It is through universal truth that we find the power of faith, hope, and love to create positive change where change seems impossible. Perhaps this reflection, though very incomplete and underdeveloped here, can help you to pray about the truths on which you base and shape your decisions and lifestyle.
That’s why the Patriarch encourages us to look towards the Truth. “Having spent so many words and after having done what we can to help and be close to everyone, especially those who are most affected, all that remains is for us to pray.” In the light of Truth, prayer is not just a coping mechanism but a commitment and relationship with Him who came to show us the way, the truth and the life. Prayer keeps hope alive.
On August 15, the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Patriarch asked us to pray as community “that in this long night that we are living, the intercession of the most holy Mary will open a glimpse of light for all of us and for the whole world.” The actual letter and prayer can be found on the website of the Latin Patriarch, lpj.org.
Regarding the situation of Notre Dame, not much has changed. We continue to remain open and offer a place of prayer, welcoming and shared friendship to those who visit and stay here. We have been a little busier than usual in August since many locals from outside of Jerusalem have come to visit before the start of the school year in the beginning of September.
A special thanks to those of you who have continued to send donations to help support our staff members, most of whom live in the West Bank and are not given permits to enter Jerusalem. As well, many of our Palestinian Christian friends have asked for prayers especially for the suffering innocents in Gaza and the West Bank who face hardships that most of us cannot imagine. We continue to pray for them, the release of the hostages, and relief for all who are suffering the injustices of this war and may I add, for the change of heart of those perpetrating these injustices.
Sincerely in the Risen Lord,
Fr. David Steffy, LC
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