This is one of those difficult sermons this morning - for me to write & preach and perhaps for you to hear - depending upon your views! So with that health warning, I’ll begin.
As we progress through Lent - we are mindful of the messy mysteries of our world - and the tensions that exist in the turbulent times we are living through in 2024.
In the Gospel reading, we’re reminded that it has been forever thus.
We realise that Jesus said some unpalatable things during his time with the disciples - it wasn’t going to be plain sailing. People even argued with him!
For our saviour Christ, the tensions that existed in the religious and political world played out in his day too. The very symbol of our faith - the cross - brings us to the heart of such tensions.
He knew that the sin of humanity, the lies, and the power plays were part of his human existence and that the swirling hatred of the powers that be had consequences on innocence - even on the promised Messiah - God himself. He lived and died in that environment - As well as rose again!
Over the past few weeks, I have had numerous different conversations - and communication via email and in person around the parish about the state of the world and the problems that are affecting us in this present day. In the world through our screens we see conflicts, we hear horror stories of human’s inhumanity to fellow human beings and wonder what our response should be.
In any conflict situation, there is obviously 2 sides or even more sides to any story - having grown up in a place where there was 2 sides to a violent conflict about land - where violence was a daily occurrence - bombings, and shootings happened - a conflict which was political but also had a somewhat religious basis - which has not yet been fully resolved but where there thankfully is enough in common to hold a peace together today.
In a world where there is hatred and suspicion, we must remind ourselves that there are currently are around 115 armed conflicts today in our world. Each with their story - people groups, land conflicts.
I want to focus in this morning for a few moments on the Israel-Gaza conflict …
A few years back when I was in the Holy Land I got to know a few Palestinian Christians and their perspective on life in a divided but holy land helped me to see that there is an underlying deep complexity to the situation there.
The reason I want to address this, this morning - As Rector, I have been asked to provide clear messages of unequivocal support on either side to this particular conflict by deeply sincere Christians here in this Union of parishes.
I deeply respect those who have asked for this clarity and their deeply held views for their positions - I really do.
However, I would very much struggle to go beyond where Anglican Communion leaders have gone.
Namely, in their calls for prayer for peace and also the commending the practical support that parishioners here have been moved to complete for those suffering in the current conflict including our Bishops Appeal collection in recent months.
Some may disagree with that stance and you are well within your rights to do so.
But I very much see my understanding and the understanding of the Bishops and Archbishops of the church of Ireland and the wider Anglican communion in the tradition of via-media
Let me explain
Via Media is a Latin phrase translated as “middle way” or the “way between two extremes.” It is from the philosophy of Aristotle. In his writing, he found the virtues such as justice and courage to be the middle way between the extremes of either side. “Courage” was thus the via media between foolhardiness and cowardice.
Via media is often misunderstood in a negative way to mean compromise or unwillingness to take a firm position. However, for Aristotle and those Anglicans who have used it, the term refers to the “golden mean” which is recognized as a more adequate expression of truth between the weaknesses of extreme positions.
Hopefully, this makes sense
This middle way is a tough place to be - in the middle - especially when dialoguing with those on either side
but in the middle - is not a place where there are relative truths, where anything goes, and unwillingness to take a firm stance on things - NOT AT ALL - there are some of the many things that can be said with extreme Clarity
murder is wrong - scripture is clear.
nations obviously have a right to defend themselves
terrorism is not the answer
Innocents need to be protected
The overarching importance of The value of each human life is sacrosanct
The facts of the situation - there in the Land - it is a land shared by - Jewish, Christian, Muslim & others
There is a judeo-christian understanding of the land - history and prophetic future
So what are we to do?
At the beginning of the current round of conflict in the Autumn, Within the Church of Ireland, the Archbishops have asked all members of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Holy Land,
They said ..
The rapidly escalating and degenerating situation in Israel and Palestine awakens within us our deep compassion for our brothers and sisters of all faiths in the Land of the Holy One. Where lives are lost through military attack and response, humanity in its entirety is diminished. We all grieve.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have called for peace and justice amidst unfolding violence. They have unequivocally condemned any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or faith. They have called on the international community to redouble its efforts to mediate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.
The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development is releasing €10,000 (equivalent to £8,650) in emergency funds to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Diocese includes 7,000 Anglicans worshipping within 28 congregations in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It is responsible for more than 30 institutions, including hospitals, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centres, guesthouses, and retirement homes. The Diocese runs Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza which provides medical care and support to all people, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.
We urge the people of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Land of the Holy One and pray for wisdom for those in positions of authority to work towards an end to all violence.
We uphold to God in prayer all who are affected by the current conflict. All human life is the gift of God. The Church of Ireland, in its daily prayers, prays for people suffering in conflict, those who seek to bring care and relief, and the peace of the world.
The Church of England House of Bishops some of whom sit in Parliament - in the house of Lords said …
Recognising the troubled history, we nevertheless cling to the longstanding vision of a peaceful region where the peoples of Israel and Palestine can live in security, justice, peace and harmony in their own lands, we therefore appeal:
For Hamas to release all hostages unconditionally and unharmed.
For immediate humanitarian pauses that will enable the wounded and the most vulnerable to be evacuated under ICRC or UN supervision, holding out hope for a ceasefire in the longer term.
For safe areas to be established across Gaza with communications, food, water and medical support, under international supervision.
For the Israeli Government to protect the population of the Occupied Territories and arrest anyone threatening them, without fear or favour.
For all parties to this conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and to take all necessary steps to minimise harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
In light of all of this … as Christians and as citizens of this country - we may have views on this and as citizens of Ireland - a democratic country - we have the option to petition our elected representatives in the Dail on this and any matter of which you desire. This is especially important as this conflict is only going to be resolved through political means and Ireland is involved at various levels in the international debate on this issue.
So my message this morning is very simple - when faced with the conflict Gaza and Israel is to pray for peace - an end to hostilities.
To pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are suffering with those in Gaza - those ministering to the injured and all who grieve for the loss of loved ones.
Those who have nowhere to call home this day- all who are refugees.
And those who are defending the innocents in this present conflict.
And those striving to be peacemakers in the corridors of power.
A Prayer for the Peace of the World – from the Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed; Kindle, we pray thee, in every heart the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
