~ John 17:20-26 ~

Rev. Paul Gehrs

Assistant to the Bishop, Justice and Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations 

The ELCIC acknowledges that its buildings and ministries, from coast to coast to coast, are on traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples. Each time we gather, to hear scripture, to pray together, and to be sent out in peace to serve the Lord, we carry with us the knowledge that the work of truth, healing, reconciliation, and renewed relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is central to our call to participate in God’s mission. 

John 17:20-26

[Jesus prayed:]

I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, [Creator], are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. [Creator, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

 

 Righteous [Parent], the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

Christ is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!

Happy Seventh Sunday of Easter. 

Every year, Lutherans and Anglicans lift up the Seventh Sunday of Easter as Jerusalem and the Holy Land Sunday. 

Like many observances, 

Today, and every day, we pray for peace in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Today, and every day, we remember our church partners: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (DoJ). 

Jesus prayed:

I ask…also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word,…

Palestinian Christians understand themselves to have offered a continuous witness to the resurrection since the time of Jesus. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) is a church that cares very much about its community, neighbourhood, society, land, and home. This is expressed through schools, hospitals, food programs, work for gender justice, care for the environment. The vibrant life and faithful witness of the ELCJHL, and sumud (steadfastness) of the Palestinian Lutheran people is an inspiration. 

In April, I had the opportunity to be part of a delegation visiting the ELCJHL.  Spending time in Jerusalem and the West Bank, our focus was on solidarity and on listening to a variety of voices, including the thoughtful, wise, and moving voices high school students at Lutheran Schools. 

For many years, the Palestinian churches have experienced a variety of difficulties due to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and tensions with the state of Israel. Since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the retaliation war of Israel on Gaza, these challenges have increased. The economic situation is very difficult. Many people rely on tourism and that is greatly reduced due to travel restrictions and travel concerns. As well, there has been a large reduction in permits for people to go from the West Bank into Israel to work in labour jobs. 

In the Lutheran church, and other churches, many young adults do not see a future and are emigrating to Europe and the United States. This has been a concern for a long time, and it has increased significantly as the current war goes on. There is a fear that the Christian community in the place where Jesus lived might disappear altogether. 

Jesus prayed: 

I ask…that they may all be one.

Our relationship with global partners and our awareness of Christians around the world is one step toward living out Jesus’ prayer that we all be one.  

This solidarity visit was a reminder to the people of the ELCJHL that they are not alone. It is also a reminder to the people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that our presence and accompaniment with the Palestinian Lutheran people is a vital expression of our shared faith and commitment to justice and peace. There is a standing invitation for you to come and see – to witness the vibrant life and faithful witness of the church in the Holy Land. I know that travel is not possible for everyone, but I affirm that showing up, in whatever form it takes, matters deeply. For, as long as the ELCJHL is there, we are all there.  

On Palm Sunday, our delegation walked in the procession with Palms from the Mount of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem. It was part street festival, with people walking and talking. It was part liturgical rite, with some people dressed formally, and singing hymns and playing instruments. As we walked, there was plenty of time to ponder: to feel deeply the horribleness of war, to feel some comfort in the broad, diverse, worshiping community, and to hope for peace in the Holy Land, and in every land, and in my context. 

It started to rain, and this made some of the stone roadways very slippery. This felt symbolic – that sometimes the way is difficult, and we tread cautiously. The sun came out again, and this also felt symbolic – that sometimes our way forward and our next steps become clear. 

Believing in the resurrection requires community. The seeing, the hearing, the believing, the doubting, the sharing: all of this happens in community. Yes, God is with you wherever you go. At the same time, the fullness of God’s presence and God’s promises are made know in community.

Jesus prayed: 

… so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them.

So that the love of Jesus may be in me. So that the love Jesus may be in us. 

The Palestinian Lutherans of the ELCJHL inspire me so much. The hospitality, warmth, and celebration of my presence as a guest is beautiful. The clear principle of love for community, neighbours, and land generates ministry through schools, hospitals, food programs, work for gender justice, and care for the environment. The resilience through occupation, war, and hardship is a model of faithfulness. 

And the Lutherans of the ELCIC inspire me so much. Thank you for every expression of hospitality, every demonstration of true love for neighbours, and every act for healing, justice, support and care. Thank you for every time you model resilience. 

For me, the prayer of Jesus is full of possibility:

Jesus prays: 

I ask…also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word,…

I ask…that they may all be one.

I ask… that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them.

May the next steps on your journey be revealed clearly,

May the love of Jesus dwell in you,

And may the love of God blossom among us and among many