People of Faith CT

A Christian Reflection on Gaza and Jeremiah
by Jim Roynon

The Hebrew Scripture reading last Sunday was Jeremiah 31:7-14. The pastor at our church in Jerusalem, Mike Powell, pointed out that this passage is often labeled as Zionist, seemingly supporting the establishment and preservation of a Jewish homeland. Netanyahu even quoted the passage in a letter to the United Nations, stating, "For what, after all, is Zionism, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies? Jeremiah 31:10 tells us "He that scattereth Israel will gather him."

But is this promise from God fulfilled in the modern state of Israel? If interpreted as God's will, it is not a large step to say any action taken is not only justified, but divinely sanctioned. Does this include the slaughter of innocents in Gaza?

Jeremiah does proclaim God's people will return from exile. He talks of gathering from the farthest parts of the earth–including the lame, the blind, "those with child and those in labor." (8) The prophet and the experience of the exile shed insight into God's promise, as not narrowly centered to geography. God's reign is over all nations. God loves every land and all peoples.

Seen this way, Jeremiah is far less about a modern state of Israel at this moment in time, and more about God's reign in our lives. It describes a people full of life, people with a safe, secure place to raise families, where even the most vulnerable have a place to call home.

Seen in this way, Jeremiah is not only denouncing activities like those in Gaza, actions that destroy lives for all people. But, God stands on the side of life, Powell said, promising a `well watered garden' for all God's people. . .everyone, everywhere.

Jesus came to claim the world not through rockets, riots and assaults, but through love, grace and mercy. He is a King who says to all, "I love you. Salvation is yours". . .a King who sustains us with the `stuff' of life, like bread and wine.

As we shared Eucharist, the `abundant' bread we shared was compared to the lack of bread and the `stuff of life' in Gaza; the wine, representing the innocent blood of Christ, put alongside the blood of the innocents caught in war. . .a truly holy moment in this un-`Holy Land.'

I weep for us all. . .those suffering, those causing suffering, and those who remain silent as such devastation continues.