Jerusalemkerk in Brugge, based on the design of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
"My prayer is not for them
alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that
all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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." (John
17:20-21 NIV)
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre commemorates Golgotha
and the tomb where Jesus was
laid and raised from the dead. It is assumed
that this Holy Sepulchre was built in 330 A.D, on the precise location of these
very events. And given this location, one would presume that this holy place
would be the breeding ground of love and unity, as promoted by the Risen One,
Jesus, Himself.
But is it really?
In this church reside the following four Christian
groups: Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Ottomans, and Coptics of
Egypt. All four of these denominations fight for this piece of real estate, and
the contest is so fierce that when the Coptic Church of Ethiopia lost its deed
to part of this church in a fire, they were demoted by the other denominations
to the rooftop. It is said that these Coptics don't dare leave the premises,
even for a moment, for fear of losing their property to the competitors, even
though the priests are exposed to the elements.
The fight for this property was so fierce that when
Saladin entered the city of Jerusalem more than 840 years ago, he had no choice
but to give the key of this place to a neutral party: a Muslim. Even today, the
key remains in the possession of a Muslim named Abu Joudea. Supposedly this is
the oldest key in the world!
Jesus' birthplace, five miles from the Church of the
Holy Sepulchre, is under the authority of the Hamas. The walls of the Manger
square are pitted with bullet holes.
I wonder if we have forgotten what Jesus came for:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34
NIV)
We need to ask ourselves what drives us. If we are
uncertain which way we are heading, let's contemplate the fruit we have brought
forth so far and consider if they are pleasing to God, for: "By their fruit you
will recognize them." (Matt 7:16 NIV)
Unity, stemming out from love, is not just a
convenience that can be neglected. It is our reality when we let Jesus shine in
our hearts.
Who has the key of your heart?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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