YMCA Christian Presence In the Holy Land
an enduring ministry of salty and spirited reconciliation in times of war and perpetual violence
How much has changed in the world or the Holy Land since the years that Jesus of Nazareth trekked back and forth between Galilee and Judea, Capernaum and Bethlehem?
Everything and Nothing.
Nothing: because people are still people. Families and tribes still have long memories; individuals and nations still hold grudges; foolish people with power still justify their conniving.
Everything: if what was written down about the life and teachings regarding Jesus of Nazareth is trustworthy, a whole new dimension has opened up for humanity regarding ourselves, Creation, and our future.
What can it mean for Christians in the world these days to be salty and spirited?
Is it just another way of being nice? Or spunky?
What can it mean for Christians in conflict zones, amidst war and violence? Is it just another way of survival?
What can it mean for Christians in the YMCA to hear and act on what Jesus tells us about being salt, about being Spirited? Especially these days?
“You are the salt of the earth.” We all know that a little bit goes a long way. But that little bit is worth its weight in gold, it becomes the difference between life and death.
“The Spirit of truth…is in you.” Because of our encounter with God through Jesus, their Spirit lives within us, shaping how we perceive and experience the world. If we are willing, we can learn to see the world as it is, to perceive reality, to become aware of the truth and to accept it - all this through the Same Spirit of God in Christ Jesus.
To be salty is to be grounded, to be immersed, to be in contact with the stuff of earth.
To be spirited is to be animated by the truth, to be energized by reality, to be alive with both feet planted on the earth.
To be salty and spirited in Christ Jesus is to have a ministry of presence in the real world, amidst the aspirations and sufferings of humanity, to be fully immersed in the hopes and despair, but also full of the breath of life that comes from the same God who created the heavens and the earth.
To what end is this salty and spirited presence of Christ by his people in a community immersed in war and violence? The apostle Paul commends us to take on a “ministry of reconciliation” - which is the result of contact with the healing salt of Christ, an encounter that fills us with a spirit of righteousness, justice and equity."
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
[2Corinthians 5:17-21]
The early Christians in the Holy Land, having experienced the lives and teachings of Christ Jesus and the apostle Paul, can also relate to the chaotic and violent circumstances of our present day.
For complex reasons, the strip of land there between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River has been a cauldron of war, empires, conquest, and tears.
It may be so still for generations to come.
In the meantime, for those of us who walk where Jesus walked in the Holy Land, who can pray where he prayed, who can suffer where he suffered, but also reconcile where he reconciled, let us do so as the salt of the earth, full of the Spirit of truth, for as long as it takes.
Being new to the YMCA these past seven years, and being new to friendships with Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land through the YMCA these past three years, I have learned so much, and realized I have so much more to learn.
With what I am learning from my experience in the YMCA, including in the Holy Land, here’s some reflections on what it can look like for where YOU love, care and serve:
Be present with people, particularly those that are suffering. Be present in empathy, in listening, in caring, in solidarity.
Be open to where the presence will lead, where the “withness” will take you.
Be attentive to the Holy Spirit, to what it is stirring up within you and those you are with.
Be on the lookout for how you can stay hungry for righteousness, thirsty for justice, and ready to add the salt of equity to whatever you are cooking up next for the times you are living in.
Be in conversation with those who are in the suffering, learning as you listen, joining them in spirit.
Become aware as much as you are possible to the reality in which you sit, and accept the truth as much as you are able, by the Holy Spirit.
What would you add?
A comment from Fadi Suidan, Adv., the CEO of the Jerusalem International YMCA in an email sent to me, that he gave permission for me to share here:
Dear Tim,
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, it gets me to stop the daily madness and reflect on the important things.
I would like to share my perspective on what you wrote yesterday,– “an enduring ministry of reconciliation in times of war and perpetual violence”, as a Christian in a conflict zone:
Being the "salt of the earth" is a metaphorical expression that originates from the teachings of Jesus in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew 5:13. In this context, "salt of the earth" carries several symbolic meanings:
1. Preservation: Salt was historically used as a preservative for food, preventing it from spoiling. In a spiritual sense, being the "salt of the earth" implies a role in preserving moral values and righteousness in society. It suggests that followers of Jesus should have a positive influence, helping to prevent moral decay and corruption.
2. Flavour: Salt enhances the flavour of food. Similarly, as the "salt of the earth," Christians are called to bring a positive and enriching influence on the world, making it a better place by demonstrating love, kindness, and compassion.
3. Purification: Salt has cleansing properties. In this context, being the "salt of the earth" can symbolize the role of Christians in helping to purify society by promoting justice, mercy, and ethical behaviour.
4. A little goes a long way: Salt is effective even in small quantities. Likewise, the impact of a few individuals or a small community of believers can be significant in spreading goodness and righteousness in the world, just like the Christian minority in the galilee.
So, to me being the "salt of the earth" means living a life that reflects moral values, righteousness, and compassion, and having a positive influence on the world by preserving, enhancing, and purifying it. It is a call for Christians to be agents of positive change and to make the world a better place through our actions and attitudes.
Tim! your reflection on the YMCA's Christian presence in the Holy Land is insightful and thought-provoking. To add to your thoughts, and by putting words to action relating to what was written above, I would emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding in conflict zones:
1. Promote dialogue: In situations of conflict and violence, fostering open and honest dialogue is crucial. Encourage people of different backgrounds and perspectives to come together to discuss their grievances and seek common ground.
2. Seek reconciliation through empathy: Tim, you mentions being present with empathy, and this is essential. Try to understand the pain and suffering of others, regardless of their background, and show compassion towards their experiences.
3. Bridge cultural gaps: Recognize the rich cultural diversity in the Holy Land. Embrace this diversity as a source of strength and learning, working to bridge cultural gaps and build connections.
4. Educate for peace: Invest in education programs that promote peace, tolerance, and understanding among young people. Educating the next generation about the importance of reconciliation can have a lasting impact.
5. Support local initiatives: Collaborate with local organizations and initiatives that are working towards peace and reconciliation. Often, they have valuable insights and grassroots solutions that can make a real difference.
6. Stay committed for the long term: Reconciliation is a complex and ongoing process. It requires dedication and persistence. Encourage individuals and communities to commit to the long-term goal of peace and harmony.
By incorporating these elements, we can further the mission of being "salty and spirited" in conflict zones, working towards reconciliation, justice, and peace.
Sincerely,
Fadi Suidan, Adv.
CEO, Jerusalem International YMCA