John Watson - Priest in Residence

Gaza

Ths situation rightly continues to occupy my daily prayers. The cynic within me thinks of the timing of this conflict. Both sides are guilty of violence and terror and it is the innocent in the middle that so often pays the heavy price.

What ever provoked Israel, the retaliation meted out is extreme. The US has been silent on its call for restraint amid the readiness for a change over of power in Captiol Hill. Are we witnessing the last minute dash for time and violence before the change over takes palce and perhaps a more intollerant attitude to revenge takes charge at the Whitehouse?

My prayer is that the US will take a more peaceful route and more condemnatory stance over its influence of Israeli 'foreign' policy.

A New Land

At Morning Prayer today - the reading is apposite to the situation in Gaza and Israel on this day when we think of the Epiphany - the coming ofthe Glory of God to the nations from that charismatic visionary:

Isaiah 60:17-18

I will appoint Peace as your overseer, and Righteousness as your taskmaster.
Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation within your borders;
you shall call your walls Salvation,
and your gates Praise.

I like this painting entitled 'Epiphany' found on a recovery website for those with addictions to drugs and alcohol - for it seems to me that humanity is itself addicted to violence and war and self-interest. When O when will we ever learn and see somethig new?(see also Rowan Williams response)

The words of that wise and brave prophet call to our imaginations of daring to dream of something different.

http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/pio/campaign/recovery2005/art/pages/21.htm