Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 21, 2010)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Is. 43:16-21; Ps. 126, Phil. 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8

While Iraq has largely fallen out of the news in the West, this week marks seven years since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Daryl fasted in the 40 days leading up to the war, sending daily letters to then President George W. Bush and urging him to seek alternatives to war. On the eve of the war, Daryl also sent an open letter to our three children, noting that war was imminent:

Under the "best case" scenario, the war will be quick, there will be minimal loss of life, Iraqi people will welcome positive changes in their lives, the Middle East will grow more stable, and the nations of the world will forgive the United States for rushing to war without their blessing. But rarely, if ever, does war produce "best case" scenarios. The more sobering possibilities are that this war will kill or injure tens of thousands of children, civilians and troops; millions of Iraqis will be left homeless; the Middle East will become even more unstable; anti-U.S. feelings around the world will grow stronger; and terror attacks on U.S. soil will increase. - Letter dated 3/18/2003

Indeed, the human toll of the war has been staggering. Estimates of http://www.iraqbodycount.org/ range from a low of 95,642 to hundreds of thousands. Some 9,515 Iraqi security forces have also been killed.

An Iraqi woman from Baghdad speaks with Cindy and Evanna Hess, at an IDP camp in northern Iraq

The U.S.-led coalition death toll stands at 4,703, including 4,385 U.S. soldiers.

These numbers do not include other human costs – the more than 4.0 million Iraqis who have been uprooted from their homes and the millions of soldiers and civilians who will forever carry the physical and psychological scars of war.

The U.S. financial cost of the war in Iraq already exceeds $712 billion. It could easily reach $1.0 trillion before a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces -- about the same amount as the proposed health care reform bill that will provide medical care to 32 million Americans during the next 10 years.

A small Kurdish village where MCC is helping to address food security issues

We have traveled to Iraq many times in the past 2½ years – but only to the Kurdish areas in the north. It is still considered too dangerous for westerners to travel to Baghdad, although we hope to do so later this spring. Many Iraqis (at least those in the north) tell us that they are glad that Saddam Hussein no longer controls Iraq. But they also express lament about the way the U.S. has mistreated ordinary Iraqis, the fact that violence continues (including violence against Christians), the lack of electricity and clean water, and the high number of refugees and internally displaced persons.

First grade students at a school in northern Iraq, which received MCC school kits

The Common Lectionary readings for the fifth Sunday in Lent reflect on former things and new things.

In the Old Testament reading, God speaks words of promise through the prophet Isaiah -- at a time when God’s people are facing exile: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing . . . do you not perceive it?” (Is. 43:18-19). God has previously delivered the people from slavery in Egypt and from wandering in the wilderness. Again, God will do a new thing.

The psalmist echoes the same theme. Those who have gone into exile with weeping and tears will return with shouts of joy (Ps. 126:5-6). God will restore their fortunes.

In the Epistle reading, Paul acknowledges his past as one who persecuted the church and sought to gain favor with God on his own merits (Phil. 3:6-9). All that is now rubbish, say Paul. “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (v.13b-14)

In the Gospel reading, Mary also puts away former things and focuses her attention wholly on Jesus. She anoints his feet with expensive perfume in preparation for his upcoming crucifixion, burial and resurrection (John 12:1-8).

For many years, Iraqis have known precious little beside colonial powers that interfere, wars that uproot and economic sanctions that squeeze daily life. It is time for something new.

Teacher and principal at a two-room school in northern Iraq

And there are hopeful signs. National elections were held in early March. Refugees and internally displaced persons are slowly beginning to return home (albeit to difficult circumstances).

A Muslim partner based in Baghdad recently shared a shipment of MCC material resources with Christian families who had been displaced in pre-election violence in Mosul. Their organization’s director issued a strong statement: "We should raise our voice high as civil society representatives against such crimes against humanity,” she wrote, “ we hold the Iraqi government and local government responsible to save and keep safe the lives of all Christians, and other ethnic (and) minorities.”

Amidst the tragedy of human conflict and sin, God is doing a new thing. Do we have eyes to perceive it?

Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 14, 2010)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Josh. 5:9-12; Ps. 32; II Cor. 5:16-21; Lk. 15:1-3, 11b-32

During the past two weeks, we accompanied a Canadian learning tour traveling in Palestine and Israel. The group -- from Manitoba and Alberta -- visited biblical sites, and met with Israelis and Palestinians to learn about the current conflict.

Palestinian boys in Hebron, the West Bank city where Abraham and Sarah are buried

We walked by the Sea of Galilee (where Jesus called four of his disciples), along the Via Delarosa (where Jesus carried his cross), and through a checkpoint in Bethlehem (where today Palestinian workers spend hours each morning waiting to gain access to jobs in Jerusalem).

Marianne Penner crosses the Bethlehem checkpoint in the separation wall

From Palestinians, we heard stories of life under military occupation and the daily difficulties of being trapped behind a separation barrier -- including lack of access to jobs, farmland, religious sites and medical care.

From Israelis, we heard about security concerns that are rooted in a long history of persecution, culminating in the Holocaust. We met with the architect of the 436 mile (703 km)-long wall and fence barrier that Israel has constructed to block Palestinian access to Jewish population centers, including Israeli settlements built on Palestinian land.

The separation wall snakes through Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem

Danny Tirza, architect of the separation barrier, explains the 30 foot (9 meters)-high wall to Walter Hamm

Both Israelis and Palestinians expressed the fear that a major violent confrontation is looming on the horizon. And, yet, the group also heard stories from courageous Palestinians and Israelis who are taking risks for a just and durable peace for all peoples in the region.

Peter Rempel, MCC Manitoba executive director, presents a pair of gloves to Alex Awad, dean of Bethlehem Bible College

Alex Awad, dean at Bethlehem Bible College, told the group: “The Bible is not about occupation and fighting, but about justice and peace.” He went on to say that, “Peace between Israel and Palestine is necessary for the survival of the Christian church in the region,” which has dwindled from 15% of the population in 1946 to less than 2% in 2010.

Archbishop Elias Chacour and Elsie Rempel

Melkite Catholic Archbishop Elias Chacour also expressed concerns about the mass emigration of Christians from the Holy Land. Addressing the issue of Christian Zionism -- a theology that rejects criticism of the harsh policies of the Israeli government because it is said to represent God’s chosen people, Chacour said: “There is no privilege; all are called to be adopted children.”

Eitan Bronstein, Zochrot director, describes to tour participants Neil and Herta Janzen how Canada Park was built over the site of a former Palestinian village

The group also heard leaders from courageous Israeli groups, including Zochrot, The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and Rabbis for Human Rights -- who are working for ways that Palestinians and Israelis can share the land in peace.

The Common Lectionary readings for this fourth Sunday in Lent focus on God’s new creation that springs from the soil of human repentance.

In the Old Testament reading, as God’s people enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the desert, God tells Joshua, “I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” (Josh. 5:9)

The psalmist writes that when he kept silent about his sin, his body wasted away, his strength was dried up and God’s hand was heavy upon him (Ps. 32:3-4). However, when he acknowledged his sin, God forgave him and instructed him in the way he should walk (vv. 5-8).

In the Epistle reading, Paul declares: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (II Cor. 5:17)

In the Gospel reading, the prodigal son comes to his senses after nearly starving in a foreign land. “I will get up and go to my father,” the son declares, “and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’” (Lk. 15:18-19). There is not a hint of hesitation from the father, who welcomes his wayward son with hugs, kisses and a big party (vv. 20-24).

Spring flowers in Nazareth Village

In the Galilee, beautiful spring flowers reminded us that God is indeed faithful to bring forth a new creation. Our prayer is that Israelis and Palestinians together will soon experience a new creation of peace and justice in the Holy Land.

There are many ways whereby repentance might well hasten this day – if the Christian church would apologize for its historical persecution of Jews and its uncritical embrace of Christian Zionism; if Israel would abandon its policies of occupation and land confiscation, and if the minority of Palestinians who have resorted to violence would embrace a nonviolent struggle for justice.

Second Sunday in Lent
Common Lectionary Readings:
Gen. 15:1-18; Ps. 27; Phil. 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35

It has been raining here for the last three days -- a wonderful blessing in this part of the world! Normally, the rainy season is from November through February, with no rain the rest of the year. But the last several winters, rainfall has been below normal and Jordan is among the top five countries in the world for water scarcity.

Geraniums outside our home soak up the winter rains

This week we wrapped up details for MCC’s fiscal year that ends February 28, paying out grants and getting reports in order. We also prepared for an MCC learning tour that will arrive from Manitoba on Sunday. We will spend the next two weeks with this group in Palestine/Israel.

Rain-washed streets in Jebal Webdah, our neighborhood in Amman

In the region this week, Israel announced that it has a fleet of unmanned aircraft that are capable of reaching Gulf countries, including Iran. Israel has been critical of Iran’s nuclear program, asserting that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and occasionally threatening a military response. Iran insists that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes – energy and medical needs. The Israeli drones are able to fly for up to 20 hours and can be used for surveillance or for firing missiles.

Israeli Heron TP drones with a wingspan as big as a Boeing 737 (AFP photo)

The Common Lectionary readings for this second week of Lent are about fear and faith. Ultimately, the choice between fear and faith comes down to whether or not we trust God’s promises to protect us and provide for us.

In the Old Testament reading, God appears to Abram in a vision and says, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Gen. 15:1) At the time, Abram is old, childless and concerned about his legacy. God promises to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. In spite of his seemingly hopeless circumstances, Abram believes God. (v.6)

Even when evildoers assail him (Ps. 27:2), an army encamps against him (v.3) and false witnesses breathe out violence against him (v.12), the psalmist chooses not to be afraid because God is his light and salvation and the stronghold of his life (v.1). “God will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble,” declares the psalmist (v.5), “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”(v.13)

In the Epistle reading, Paul writes that there are many enemies of the cross of Christ whose minds are set on earthly things (Phil. 3:18). And yet, people of faith are to stand firm in the Lord (4:1) because our citizenship is in heaven from where we are expecting a Savior (3:20).

In the Gospel reading, some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod is trying to kill him. (Lk. 13:31). But rather than being afraid, Jesus is focused on his mission of teaching, healing and seeking to restore people to God (vv.32-34).

People of faith are not exempted from hardship. God told Abram that his descendants would be oppressed for four hundred years in a foreign country. The psalmist was threatened many times by his enemies. Jesus was eventually killed.

There are many situations -- in daily life and on the global scene -- that can fill us with fright. It is precisely in times that we must choose whether to believe God’s promises of protection and provision. It is this choice that determines whether we live in fear or act in faith.

First Sunday in Lent (February 21, 2010)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Deut. 26:1-11; Ps. 91:1-2, 9-16; Rom. 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13

Over lunch one day this week in Amman we met with a delegation from Washington, D.C., which included members of J-Street, Churches for Middle East Peace, and several members of Congress. The group was in the region to better understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so that they can more effectively advocate for peace.

After leaving Jordan, the group traveled to Israel, where Foreign Ministry officials refused to meet with them because they considered J-Street (a progressive Jewish lobby) to be “anti-Israeli.” Later, the Foreign Ministry apologized for the snub.

After a two-month process that included seven trips to the Ministry of Interior, we finally renewed our Jordanian residency cards for another year on Wednesday. In the end, a well-connected Jordanian friend – our wasta or “influence” -- accompanied us to help smooth the process that requires a multitude of signatures and stamps!

Site along Jordan River where Jesus was baptized

On Saturday, we visited the Baptism Site of Jesus. There the Archbishop of Canterbury dedicated the foundation stone for a new Anglican church and then led a special Liturgy, “Bethany our way to repentance” at the site along the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptized.

The Archbishop of Canterbury leads a special Liturgy at baptism site

The Common Lectionary readings for this first week of Lent are about God’s deliverance from oppression, trouble, sin and temptation.

In the Old Testament reading, Moses reminds the people that, when they were aliens in Egypt, God heard their voice and saw their oppression and brought them out with “a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders” (Deut. 26:8). As a worshipful response for this deliverance, the people are now to share the first fruits of their land with the priests and aliens.

The psalmist records God’s reassuring promise: “Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.” (Ps. 91:14-15)

In the Epistle reading, Paul writes that God’s deliverance extends to all people. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.” (Rom. 10:12)

The Gospel reading describes the temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13. After his baptism in the Jordan River, God’s Spirit leads him to the wilderness where he fasts for 40 days. Three times the devil tempts Jesus. Each time, Jesus recites Scripture that unmasks the devil’s deceptive suggestion or promise.

As we begin this Lenten season -- a time of repentance and humbling ourselves before God -- it is reassuring to remember that God’s deliverance extends to all people and to situations great and small.

Last Sunday after Epiphany (February 14, 2010)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Ex. 34:29-35; Ps. 99; 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Lk. 9:28-36

We spent much of this week preparing reports on last year’s projects and making plans for the coming year. It is an exhausting process, but a helpful opportunity to assess what has gone well and what can be improved. Sometimes it feels like there is a great gulf between the reporting/paperwork needs of Western agencies and the more organic and spontaneous practices of Middle Eastern organizations.

Julie Lytle with a kindergarten student at the Arab Episcopal School

On Thursday and Friday, we also hosted the Serving and Learning Together (SALT) volunteers who are spending a year in Jordan. Julie Lytle is a classroom assistant at the Arab Episcopal School in Irbid, which integrates blind, low-vision and sighted children in the same classroom. She is developing skills in using music therapy to work with children. Brent Stutzman teaches deaf and blind students at the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf. Julie and Brent are helping transform the worlds of students with seeing and hearing challenges.

In the region this week, Iran marked the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution. President Ahmadinejad used to occasion to announce that Iran has enriched uranium to the 20 percent grade necessary for medical technology. He reiterated that Iran has no intention of building a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, Iraq marked the opening of the parliamentary election campaign. Elections are scheduled to take place in March. This could be a big step toward helping to build a positive future in Iraq.

Also this week, Israel began re-routing a portion of its separation wall near the West Bank village of Bilin, two and one half years after the Israeli High Court ordered it to do so. A small, but important change.

The Common Lectionary readings this week focus on transformation that happens when we are in God’s presence and reflect on God’s glory. All four readings mention Moses.

In the Old Testament reading, after speaking with God on Mt. Sinai, Moses’ face shines so brightly that the people are afraid to come near him. Moses places a veil over his face to keep the shine from fading away (Ex. 34:29-34).

The psalmist says that we should praise, extol and worship God who is holy (Ps. 99:1-5). Moses and his brother Aaron were among the priests who called on God’s name, and God answered them (Ps. 99:6).

In the Epistle reading, Paul says that, unlike Moses who placed a veil over his face to preserve the shine, that “with unveiled faces we see God’s glory and are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (II Cor. 3:18).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus and several of his disciples go up a mountain to pray (Lk. 9:28). There the appearance of Jesus’ face changes and Moses and Elijah appear. A voice from heaven declares: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”(v.35) The experience dramatically marks the transition from the age of the law and prophets to the age of grace and truth that are seamlessly melded together in the life and teachings of Jesus.

These stories of transformation offer hope as we live among situations that sometimes feel intractable. Indeed, Paul writes that because of God’s transforming mercy, “we do not lose heart” (II Cor. 4:1).

As we now prepare to enter the season of Lent, we pray that God’s transforming work will take root in new and deeper ways as we remain in God's presence.