I enjoy returning to Bethlehem whenever possible. Today, I accompanied forty-nine students from Lutheran Southern Theological Seminary and laity from the Columbia, SC area.
We began our day in Efrat, a Jewish settlement of some 9,000 persons. The head of the Religious Council, Bob Lang, spoke to the group with his perspective on the present political situation in the land. Later we heard from the Reverend Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem as to the Palestininan perspective. Of course, I am discovering that there are more than "two sides" to this situation. The issues are complex and not always black and white. Doesn't that sound familiar as to many of the challenges we face?
I ended my day strolling quietly through the Roman Catholic Shepherds' Fields. It was dusk, and the evening was a bit cool. My thoughts were of the angels' song, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of good will!" Given all that I have heard today, may this song echo anew and reassure men of good will today to continue the efforts for peace in this land.
No comments:
Post a Comment