When America was decimating Iraq and Afghanistan, nobody ever told anyone they needed to not celebrate Christmas or Easter. I never heard anyone tell American Muslims that they should refrain from Ramadan. And yet, I have seen countless opinions being shared that Jews in America should not celebrate the Passover this year. Why? Because of the devastation that is happening in Gaza and Israel. The dominant theme is that since so many people are suffering and starving, it would be wrong for Jews to eat, drink, and be merry. First, the idea shows just how little these Passover-cancelers know about the Jewish faith, and second, I fail to see what one thing has to do with the other. The idea shows just how secular so many people have become in the way they view Holy Days. It is just one more example of anti-Semitism badly hidden in concern.
War is absolutely hell, no matter what the reason. Most religions support war in some circumstances, often pointing to God as the source of their righteous anger. What is happening in Israel and Gaza has nothing to do with the Almighty, but that doesn’t mean that those fighting in it are disconnected from their faith. Except for Hamas. Terrorism, often couched in pseudo-religious language and “holy” fervor, is firmly rooted in evil and hatred. I believe that when they meet their maker, it won’t go well. For many people of faith, their relationship with God and their need to serve their country in times of war are at odds with each other. Patriotism and religious faith have – if you are a thoughtful person – an uneasy relationship with one another. If one firmly believes in the sanctity of every human life, I can only imagine just how difficult it would be to then take one. I grieve for those who find themselves in these situations.
The idea that “there are no atheists in foxholes” probably comes from WWI. It can have two very different meanings: either, in the midst of the terror of war, even atheists pray, or that the devastation of war can lead some to question the existence of God. Either way, faith is a way to help us through difficult times. It is arrogant and tone-deaf to imply that people in the midst of war should not also be religious. Religious practices ground us; they might even keep us sane in insane situations. The idea that we should always be seeking God is time-honored and restorative. Faith gives us hope for better times. Faith gives us something to live for, even when death and loss seem to overwhelm the goodness of God.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me” was the Psalmist’s cry. Anyone who has felt loss – anyone who has grieved – anyone who has seen struggle – we all know what it is like to feel that we have been forsaken. Immature faith turns to God only in happiness; mature faith leans on God when life is hard. May your celebrations and remembrances during this Holy Time of Passover bring you closer to God. And may there be peace on earth.
Prayer – Holy God, forgive our warring madness. Allow justice to find its way into our hearts and our lives. And give us hope. Amen.
Today’s art was painted in 1917 by artist Georges-Edouard Darcy. It is of a cemetery close to the city of Verdun Image: Musée des Beaux-Arts Reims.