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.
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