The resurrection of Jesus. It’s the glorious grace-fuelled fact that unites Christians around the world from every denomination and creed. And Holy Week is a time to be reminded of his journey to the cross for us – the bread, the wine, how he was betrayed, his sacrifice – his body, his blood, and his ultimate victory over death. For us.
But, for some of our brothers and sisters, the remembered grief of Jesus’ suffering as we look toward the hope of new life in his promises, comes alongside other very real and present grief.
Mourning on Palm Sunday
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, released a statement earlier this week referencing one situation where this has been particularly true: the Anglican-run Ahli Hospital in Gaza which took significant damage in a strike last Sunday, 13 April, amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
The facility is one of the last functioning hospitals in an area where, beyond the usual needs of a hospital, many people are displaced, wounded and in desperate need of care.
The Archbishop says, ‘For the only Christian hospital in Gaza to be attacked on Palm Sunday is especially appalling. I share in the grief of our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Jerusalem. I pray for the staff and patients of the hospital, and for the family of the boy who tragically died during the evacuation.’
Hospital staff were seen combing through the rubble afterwards, searching for any medical supplies that might still be usable. The complete blockade of all aid into Gaza since 2 March means that no new medical supplies are getting through and every swab, every blister pack of medication, every IV bag, every bandage and every piece of equipment is even more precious now than ever.
The church is very present in this part of the world, and when one part of Christ’s body suffers, we all suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). This Holy Week, we join with the Archbishop in asking you to pray with us for all those caught up in the ongoing violence.
Ongoing suffering
Gaza has been without food or water for over six weeks now. A lack of appropriate nutrition and water is increasing the likelihood of disease and illness, which in turn is placing extra pressure on the already decimated healthcare system.
With no commercial food production or farming of any sort able to continue in Gaza, many families rely completely on aid to survive. Now, many are struggling to find enough to eat.
Last Sunday’s attack is one of so many suffered by people in the region in this ongoing conflict. As we share in the pain of those experiencing such destruction and despair, Holy Week reminds us of the redemption Jesus offers us through his death and resurrection. That even in the darkest situations, he brings hope. Please join us as we cry out with Christians around the world for an end to this conflict and suffering - and for justice, security, dignity and peace for all in the Middle East.
