This week is Holy Week in the Orthodox Church, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the Orthodox Church of South Sudan. On May 1, 2016, Ethiopians and people of the Gambella region of South Sudan will celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Yet, the news from this region is heartbreaking. Last Friday more that 200 people were killed. Children and women were taken as hostages, and are held under the most horrible conditions, in the jungles of South Sudan and Ethiopia.
In the Orthodox liturgy of the churches of this region, during the first three days of the Passion Week, the people are supposed to be reading all three Gospels, not just the Passion account of the last week of Jesus the Messiah’s life. What a time to remember the words of Isaiah the Prophet regarding Jesus! “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6 NIV). This was the message which the angel gave to the lowly shepherds who were grazing their sheep, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 NIV) These words were spoken to them right in the midst of so much fighting between the Roman soldiers and the militant Zealot freedom fighters.
The liturgical reading which begins this week reminds the Orthodox people of South Sudan and Ethiopia that this same Jesus, who was born, surrounded by so much killing, including the killing of baby boys, and the rape and abduction of women and children, came into Jerusalem, riding a donkey.
The Gospel reading simply says,
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna from the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Mat 21:4-11 NIV)
When Jesus entered into Jerusalem the people were not happily singing “Hosanna,” as is sung in so many churches in the west. The Hebrew word is a cry for help.
“Save us, Oh Lord! We are perishing!”
This is indeed the cry of the common people of South Sudan and Gambella: “Save us O LORD, we are perishing!”
My prayer today is the Jesus would enter into Gambella, riding a donkey, among the sheepherders of South Sudan and Ethiopia.
My prayer today is that Jesus would hear the cries of the women and children, “Save us, Oh Lord!”
My prayer today is that fighting and killing would stop, and the killers would allow the “Prince of Peace” to reign over the hurting people of South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Enough already!
This particular passage from the gospel very much relates to what Is going on in south Sudan and Ethiopia. It’s heartbreaking to hear that such horrible things are happening to such innocent people. Just as Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee as it reads in the gospel, he was brought during a time of need for the people. They shouted hosanna as a cry for help and indeed the people of south Sudan and ethiopia are in time of need. I agree that I too have had enough of such hatred in the world and like you professor Boaz asked yourself, why do people do horrible things? My take on that and with what’s going on in south Sudan and Ethiopia, Is that many people feel as though they are of higher power among their own people. It’s a very egotistical way of living and we live in a world where there are many egos and a lot of selfishness and hate. And just like you professor boaz i too wish everyone would just be nice to one another, let there be world peace!
The insanity of war and violence will continue so long as envy and desire exist. In order to stop violence, there mus incentives in place to make peaceful cooperation/competition more personally profitable than violence and aggression. This is difficult in Africa where institutions are weak and Strife is strong. A true belief in Christianity would drastically improve Sudanese/Ethiopians lives as they would live beyond their own selfish desires and would promote a long-term views on their actions with considerations the after life.
I am always encouraged and challenged by the faith of our Eastern brothers and sisters. Despite so much hurting and pain, and others’ attempts to push them away from Jesus, they just cling to Him more desperately. One thing we are lacking in the west is this absolute desperate need. Although we desperately need Jesus, it is hard for us to see this because our lives are generally so easy compared to the lives of other Christians around the world. Although I am afraid to pray for harder lives for Christians in the west, I believe that my prayers for awakening are nearly the same thing. In the circumstances of our brothers and sisters in South Sudan and Ethiopia, it is hard to imagine how things can change, but our God is a God of justice and deliverance.
It is heartbreaking to read the situation that South Sudan and Ethiopia are going through. The gospel that you chose relates really well to the current situation that has been going on. I think that the violence will continue and will probably get worse. I think when people go thought tough situations they get closer to God. The families that are being effected by this I see the, getting closer to God to seek that comfort and that love they need to move on from this situation. My prayers will be with the community in South Sudan and Ethiopia a long with the violence to stop.
All the killings and war that is going on abroad is very sad…I also hope that these innocent people that are dealing with this pain find comfort in Jesus and that he may show himself in some way, shape, or form to these people and to the whole world so that they may find comfort through our lord Jesus Christ.
Why have we become so numb to the constant oppression of our brothers and sisters in the east? It burdens God’s heart, so why don’t we really feel burdened by this too? In agreeance with Barrett, I think our lack of struggle has hardened our hearts. Our western culture doesn’t know how to deal with pain, and therefore refuses to do so when our family in the east hurts. I long to live in such a way where I must fully depend on God. Living comfortably can more easily create division between God and His people. I also think about how cyclical the history of humanity has become. The battle between power and fear results in the oppression of a people group. It has happened countless times. Don’t you think we’d realize how ugly of a cycle this has become and do something about it? Why is it so hard to break cycles?
As i read this, it is so unfortunate and sad that these people are experiencing these types of treatments. The way individuals are being treated is not human and very emotional. It was also interesting how during this time specifically is the time in which they are celebrating Holy week. I pray that these individuals and their families may fine comfort and peace in Jesus and that He really bless and protect His people.
This is such a motivating entry. I feel that when Jesus comes into the city in a donkey not only does it show he is fearless but also peaceful. It just proves that you can be fearless with out violence. Now a days everyone is do fearful that they feel they need violence to protect them. It’s so sad to know that people in foreign countries are living their daily life in fear of being mirdered. Sometimes I wish we could do more to help the children of the poor villages.
It is very upsetting to see how much suffering and pain is happening around the world. The situation of the world is getting worse and worse as time passes, just like the book of Revelation describes. There is disease, hunger, war and death (the four horsemen of Apocalypse). So much suffering! However, it is very soothing to know that there is hope for us. That hope is in Jesus Christ. Through his death we have been saved and given a second chance at eternal life. God loves us so much that he was willing to send his only son to die for us, the sinners. Our loving God works in mysterious ways, and nobody can fully understand his ways and plans. However there will be a time when all our suffering will be ended by Him. There is hope for us. We only have to trust in God, and do whatever in our power to help those in need, as much as we can. My heart is with all those that suffer and struggle in such horrific situations. I will keep them in my prayers! I hope they find the strength and power to overcome these struggles with God’s help and great love.
Its heartbreaking to hear about how much suffering there is occurring to those people who already have a tough upbringing. But its nice to to see that the word of God offers hope to them and us in the time of need. There is only so much we can do due to our geographical barriers but what we can do is offer our prayers and advocate for peace in places like Ethiopia and Gambella. If even a small amount of us, say just North Park students could do something like this I think we could really make a difference.
Hope is really important in ones life and one needs to hold on to hope in order to be closer to God. My prayers go out to those who have suffered and are still clinging on to that hope. May God bless them and give them the strength to overcome these struggles in their lives.
The violence that still goes on in the world is heartbreaking. My prayers also go for the ones who are suffering, and for the killings and other violence to end one day. The most important part of this passage in my opinion is Hope. With hope there is strength, which is a message that is also emphasized in the Bible. This entry reminds me of what my mother always tells me, “La fé mueve montañas” meaning with hope we can prosper.
Indeed it’s always tragic hearing about the violent deaths which occur throughout the world. We hear it so often we have become so use to it and that’s even more tragic. Praying for the people of South Sudan as they pass through a season of suffering. During the time in which we should be celebrating the victory of Christ, we are also mourning for the innocent people whose blood cry out from the ground, just like Abel.
Just as in the time of Jesus, faith is not always what guides the decisions of those in power. Through history we find those who by violence hold to power, and we less protected perish. Its a clear distinction between a violent reality and our tireless trust, faith and hope in a better tomorrow. We collectively can be participants in the construction of that tomorrow and a better reality. Cecilia Balaguera.
It is incredibly sad to hear about all the killing, violence, and hate happening around the world in present time. People with power and people who are looked up to by other abuse their power and privileges. These people do not understand the message Jesus has presented with his actions and words. Jesus shows great bravery when he enters the town on the donkey. Jesus come to free and help these people who cry for his help singing “Hosanna” because they need Jesus to save them form the ones who have been using their power to abuse and hurt them. His disciples are a example for these people to come and follow and let the Lord lead them down the right path. We should look back at the pass and remember the lost lives and reflect off of this to change the future. We have to follow the Lords commands and share it to other so they are able to find happiness as we have. Bless all those and their families who have lost there lives to the violent society we live in. -Matthew Pytel
It is insane that the parallelism between what happened in Jesus’ time is currently happening right now in South Sudan and Ethiopia. Jesus was surrounded by death, rape, and abduction while currently Sudan and Ethiopia is full of violent death and cruel acts towards women. It is the people who commit these acts that think that they have power because they prey on the “weak” and act this way based on fear. The general public of the Sudanese and Ethiopians fear that these rebels will attack them, take their wives/daughters, and kill them. These radicals use this fear to fuel their “power” over these people and think that they are leading their people to their own cause. However, this is completely opposite of what Jesus did. Jesus sacrificed himself in many ways to show and lead his people into the grace of God.
Everyday the news reports another killing, another attack, and another death. This reality is hard to accept but its our reality now. It is very upsetting to think that we live in such a world that tolerates injustices because there are people above us who have the power to over rule us. As Christians, we capture Jesus in the image of indestructible and all powerful, he countered death did he not? So when he enters Jerusalem, he does it in such a way to demonstrate his spirit. Jesus is both brave and merciful, hes both powerful but kind and in this world we tend to see things so black and white and its hard to think that we can overcome violence with our kind souls and just by being more like Christ. Scriptures say that we can do all things through God that strengthens us, so have faith in that.
Its sad to see the amount of killing thats happening in third world countries like that. Just thinking about killing is a gruesome matter. I would know since my family moved away from Bosnia after the genocide. Its hard not to find killing within our world now. Where Im living now one of my very good friend got shot and killed only a few blocks away from my suburban house which was supposed to be a safe area. The only way to get over this fear is to pray towards God.
It is always sad to hear about mass abductions and the killing of innocents. It is always so tough to see things and hear things like this, but unfortunately this is the reality that we live in. I personally am not a believer in God or Christ, but I do believe that those who worship and are followers of a religion, should be left alone, especially when it comes to those who are participating or even observing a religious holiday. But hopefully these people will be alright and get through this time of suffering.
It is extremely heartbreaking to read about all the violence that exists today. All the violence occuring today in our world is often difficult to comprehend. My prayers go out to that community. I pray that the families affected find hope and enlightenment through this difficult situation. This particular passage reminds us to always take a few minutes out of are day to take the time to prayer for those who experiencing violence but also thank God for everything that he had done for us.
We are so privileged to live in the west where tragedies like this seem to not happen. Too often Americans live in a bubble and do not care about what happens in less developed countries. In our globalized wold it does matter. A tragic event in South Sudan and Ethiopia really can affect the rest of the world. The least we can do from our positions of privilege is listen and care.
Hearing about events like this can be hard to process and really understand what it would be like to encounter such harsh conditions and such fear. It can be hard for many people in the West to realize what that might be like. But for these people in Ethiopia and South Sudan, these conditions are very real and they are probably struggling to find hope in a time of intense emotions and intense fear.
The risk of losing loved ones forces a person to realize that this life is not secure as it it at this present moment. It also shows how important it is to hope in someone who cares and can make a difference. This is why the picture of
Jesus as a lowly and humble savior is so important.