Yesterday, the citizens of Israel voted a new Parliament, Kinesset as it is called in Hebrew. The apparent leader, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu won enough seats to form a new coalition government. It also means that there will be no peace agreement with the occupied Palestinians. And it becomes increasingly likely that violence will escalate. If Mr. Netanyahu has his way, it could also mean war with Iran.

There are already several conflicts (reluctance to call them “wars”) in the region: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria; increased conflict in Libya, etc.

In the long history of that region, this is nothing new.  In the city of Jerusalem alone; there has been almost continuous conflict for over 3,000 years.

Today is the Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem. He lived in the 4^th Century and was Patriarch of the Church of Jerusalem. During the 30 years of his office, he was exiled twice and fought with the Emperor in Constantinople (Modern day Istanbul) and with fellow bishops. At that time, Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire.

There is an irony in all this and that is in the name of the city, Jerusalem. It literally means “City of Peace.”

If one ever visits there, one would wonder, they’re fighting over this? Not an especially beautiful city. Today especially, overcrowded, divided, huge traffic problems and an atmosphere of mutual distrust and hatred.

The main theme of Lent is following the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. Sunday after next, during Spring Break, it will be Palm Sunday—the commemoration of Jesus entry into Jerusalem. By the end of that week, Jesus will be crucified outside the wall of the Old City. Until modern times, Jerusalem was never a large city.

But it has enormous religious significance. For Jews, it is the ancient capital, home of the Temple where God lived. That temple hasn’t existed for nearly 2,000 years.

In the 7^th century, conquered by the Muslims. Then in the 12^th century, the Christian Crusaders briefly held the city.

Now, it’s Jewish again. But no country on earth recognizes it as the legitimate capital of Israel.

A symbol not of peace, but of the worst in human behavior.

As Christians, we must believe that in the end, God will restore peace to the world. But humans don’t seem to want to cooperate in that hope.

A symbol of peace, a reality of conflict. In our lives, we are called to live as people of faith. To resolve the conflicts within our own lives—resolve problems—at the very least avoid hatred.

As to Jerusalem, the ancient prayer of King David, founder of Jerusalem, Shalu Shalom, Iyanusalaim—Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

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