by Rev. Bassam Bannoura

As Christians in the Holy Land, we learn in our churches and schools why Jesus had to suffer and die on the cross, but we are puzzled when it comes to our own lives in this Land.

Why should we suffer?

Why should peaceful people suffer?

Why should innocent children suffer?

It is true that many of us are ready to suffer and carry the cross for the sake of our faith and convictions, but when the causes of human suffering are not known, we start asking questions, I have tens of these questions, and the number is ever increasing.

I always ask myself: Why do my people have to suffer? And what is the meaning of their suffering?

These questions become painful when we recall that we are suffering and being persecuted by those who claim to believe in peace, freedom, and democracy. And again, the question becomes even more painful when we, as Palestinian Christians, witness millions of Christians in the world, especially in the West, unconditionally supporting those who persecute us, and not even recognizing the very existence of the Palestinian people who are paying with their blood the price of the double standard, deception, and apathy.

Dare I say that those who support the killers have blood on their hands and that one day they have to give account to God for their compliance. Jesus’ death was full of meanings. It was redemptive, and it was to reestablish peace between God and humanity, as the apostle Paul argues in Ephesians chapter 2. But when it comes to the killing of thousands of men, women, and children of my Palestinian people, I wonder whether their death is also redemptive.

I rage at the arrogance, the hatred, and the contempt for life in the killings of Palestinians, killings that seem to seek our very physical extermination. Yet we must claim the slaying of thousands of women, children, and men as full of meaning. These deaths are a cry to the face of power: “Let my people go; let my people be free.”

I pray that what we suffer as a nation will not harden our hearts but keep them tender and ready to forgive. I ask all believers to pray for my people, the Palestinians, who seek justice and peace. Pray that out of tears, bloodshed, and sorrow will come the rejoicing of forgiveness and new life from God, then forgiveness and new life to each other.

In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me’”. Jesus, who carried His cross, wants us to follow His footsteps. He wants us to be faithful to His message and carry the cross daily for His sake and not for our own sake.

It is a radical decision when one denies his or herself and lives for others, but again, that is exactly what Jesus did and what He is asking His church to do.

I am bearing the cross,

My people are bearing the cross.

We are crying to God:

Lord, have mercy on us!

Lord God, liberate and save us!

Lord God, help us not to be pre-occupied with our own present suffering and unable to see the suffering of people in the rest of the world, even the suffering of those who hate us. Isaiah 53 begins with a question: Who has believed what we have heard?

I want to end with these questions:

• How much more severe hardships should my people endure?

• Why should my people not be secure about their future?

• Is it possible that one day a Palestinian and his or her enemy would carry the same cross?

• I also wonder whether our Christian brothers and sisters will one day help us to bear the cross?!

Jesus’ suffering was redemptive.

His saving work was universal.

His love is overwhelming.

Lord, help us.

Lord, lead us.

Lord, comfort us,

Lord, use us for thy glory.

Amen.