A Land that is Holy but wounded

At the end of the traditional Palm Sunday procession in Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, offered words of encouragement to Christians in the Holy Land, and launched an appeal to pilgrims worldwide to return. Starting at the Church of Betfage on the Mount of Olives and waving palms and olive branches, lay faithful and men and women religious — among them the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr Francesco Patton, and the Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana — processed into the Old City and to the Church of Sant’Anna, where Cardinal Pizzaballa offered a reflection.

The procession this year, which is the most important public event for Christians in the Holy Land, saw a reduced number of participants, due to the absence of pilgrims and the small number of entry permits granted to Palestinian Christians, who usually arrive in large numbers, bringing the procession to life with their songs and drums. The few groups of scouts present chose to limit the music during the procession, as a sign of solidarity with all the people who have been killed in Gaza.

“Despite the war and everything going on around us this year”, said the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, “we have once again chosen to celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry in the Holy City. We have joined voices with those who sang in Jerusalem two thousand years ago: ‘Hosanna Filio David’, Hosanna to the Son of David. Yes”, he continued, “especially now, it is even more important and necessary to shout strongly that Jesus is our Messiah, He is our Lord, He is the Kyrios”.

In this time of loss and loneliness, the Cardinal affirmed, “we have felt crushed by so much hatred. This war, which is so terrible and seems never-ending, sometimes leads us to fear for the future of our families. Yet, today we are here again, even if few in number, without pilgrims and without so many of our brothers and sisters from so many parts of our diocese, who could not join us. It does not discourage us! Few or many, it is important to be here, and to shout with strength and faith that we have a point of reference, Jesus Christ. We are not alone, we are not abandoned, and above all we are not afraid!”.

The Patriarch explained that the procession entering into Jerusalem is a renewal of the commitment to follow Christ, which means “accepting the way of the cross”. He added, “We are here to reaffirm once again our love for Jesus, our love for His city, to which we belong and which we love, for His Land, which is also ours. A Land that is Holy, but wounded because it is invaded by so much hatred and resentment”. The Cardinal, together with the faithful of Jerusalem, asked God to shield their hearts from feelings of hatred: “We cannot remain friends of Jesus if we cultivate enmity in our hearts. We cannot love Jesus, if we do not love one another, and if we do not have the courage to be close to all, even in the present tragic circumstances in which we live. We want to live, suffer and act with Him and for Him”.

Cardinal Pizzaballa then turned his thoughts to the city of Jerusalem: “It is the sacred City to all, […] the city where the light of the Lamb should enlighten everyone’s eyes, so that we may see reality freely, with the eyes of people who have been redeemed. Instead”, he noted, “our relationships are often marked by possession and exclusion. Let us pray then for our City, and for the peace of Jerusalem. A peace, which is a cordial and sincere welcoming of the other, a tenacious willingness to listen and to be in dialogue, that opens roads on which fear and suspicion give way to understanding, encounter and trust, where differences are opportunities for companionship and not an excuse for mutual rejection”.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem also remembered those who are suffering in Gaza, offering them words of encouragement: “You are not alone. The whole Church in Jerusalem is united with you, embraces you and appreciates your testimony of strength and courage. Together with us, all the churches, all our brothers and sisters around the world, pray for you and with you. We know well how difficult it is, after almost six months, to stand amidst the hunger and violence that surrounds you. But we assure you that we are doing and that we will continue to do all we can to support you and, together with you, we pray that this night will pass as soon as possible. Do not be discouraged. For you, too, as for all, will come the dawn of the third day, the news of the resurrection”.

Cardinal Pizzaballa concluded with an appeal to pilgrims all over the world. “We are waiting for you”, he said. “Do not be afraid, return to Jerusalem and to the Holy Land! Your presence is always a presence of peace, and we sincerely need peace today, may you come and bring us your peace”.

Beatrice Guarrera