On March 12, a missile struck a few hundred meters from the
Old City. The closed remain citing security risks of high-target areas and mass
gatherings.
As Muslims celebrated the end of Ramadan on March 15, they
were prevented from entering al-Aqsa Mosque. As Holy Week begins, it looks like
Christians will similarly be unable to celebrate the holiest days of the year at
the tomb of Christ.
It’s so sad to think of the Holy Sepulchre closed off from worshippers. Even though I wasn’t going to be there, it feels like I’m being denied something. I want the holiest site to be reverenced on our holiest day. Here Christ was buried. Here He rose. A historical moment. In a real place. And when we commemorate it, I want to know that some of my brothers and sisters can stand in that place.
This isn’t to say that the security concerns aren’t real and
the sites should be open and filled with people, potential targets. I’m saying
this is yet another tragedy of war—the disruption in day-to-day life, the
denial of celebrations, the restrictions taken in hopes of staying alive. These
buildings, which have stood for centuries, may not last this war. This holy
history, this sacred ground, may be blown up into dust. The curates have to
balance keeping the building standing, keeping the faithful safe, and keeping
the traditions going. What a heavy task when there are missiles in the air.
The regional director of the office of Pontifical Mission
for Palestine in Jerusalem said that he expect Easter services to look a lot
like COVID, with religious and clergy only. I’m glad it seems like some Masses
will continue, but I’m sad for the Christians of Jerusalem (and elsewhere) who
have to adjust to chaotic times to celebrate Easter.
The closures of the holy sites are expected to last “until
the end of the war.” May that time come soon and doors open wide.
No comments:
Post a Comment