ALL NATIONS CAFE

My friends from the all nations cafe have an interesting video to share with you:

MEETING THE GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCH THEOPHILOS III.


Jerusalem, January 8th, 2008. It was on the second day after the Orthodx Christmas, that I went to search for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to see if there would be any chance to have a personal meeting with their Patriarch. On december 31st at the House of President Shimon Peres Patriarch Theophilos III. had already invited me to come and see him "any time". Even though we had exchanged some thoughts at the Presidents house, I doubted, that the Patriarch would really have much time, especially not around Christmas.

However, I was more then surprised that I was sent up stairs by a greek monk saying "see if he is still there" when I requested to set up an appointment with Patriarch Theophilos. When I reached the first floor I was amazed at all the marble and beauty. I had never before entered these greek orhtodox realms. I asked another orhtodox priest for Theophilos, when he just pointed to the open door of a hugh hall. my eyes followed the direction of his pointed fingers and there, at the end of the hall (that was maybe 100m/300ft long), sat the Patriarch on a comfortable chair. Infront of him were lined up several lines of chair (like in a choir) and rows and rows of uncountable chairs for more people. I realized I must have come to the greek orthodox reception of bishops and clergymen of different christian faiths. Even though some had already departed, there was still a number of monks and bishops sitting around the patriarchs in strict order.

To make sure I would act according to the right codex of behaviour, I asked the greek monk to help me get seated in one of the innumerable rows of chairs. It seemed he was not sure himself. But as I steped forward the marbled hall, the Patriarch winked me in to step forward. "Me?", he affirmed with a smiling nod. When I came to greet him I felt all the eyes of the surrounding monks and bishops set on me. Even more so, when Patriarch Theophilos asked for a comfortable red velvet chair to be brought right next to him. I almost couldn´t believe my eyes, when he had treated me with such an honour that he even gave me the seat on the right to him - nearer then any other bishop or priest.

Now sitting between Patriarch Theophilos III on my left and the Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Sewerios on my right, I thought this would be a scene for a fairy tale movie. And I guess the others in the room had similar thoughts like "What on earth is a woman doing in this room full of churchmen? What on earth is so special about her, that he gives her the honor to sit next to him? Why does he spent his time talking to her more then to others? Isn´t she not even Orthodox? Why, why, why?..."

The visitors that came after me came to shake hands first with the Patriarch, then with me and afterwards with Archbishop Sewerios etc... It was such a funny scene, that I said with a smile "you know, I almost feel like a Bishop myself, right now", everyone was laughing... (to be continued)

 

Photo: His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III. of the Greek Orthodox Church, Jerusalem at the house of President Shimon Peres with me (Claudia Henzler)

PHOTOPRESENTATION TOUR through EUROPE

After 8 months in Israel and Palestine I begin my 3 months photopresentation-tour through Germany, Austria and Italy now. Starting in Vienna I will be going to different cities presenting to the public some of my many "Impressions of Israel and Palestine".

What is the Holy Land for me? It is a land of contrasts. Pain and joy -- darkness and light -- desperateness and hope -- terror and beauty -- fanatism and tolerance... you can encounter every possible aspect there. The Holy Land for me, is the land where I feel utterly alive. Where I get in touch with the essence of life. Where I touch base with myself and my own beliefs... That is the magic of the Holy Land.

 
Photo: the Aspect of Joy. Palestinian kids celebrating life.

People of the Holy Land - Jews and Palestinian - often told me, while we were talking "You ask what you can do? You can do more then praying for peace. Go to the public. Go abroad. Show your photos. Speak about us. So we feel that people do care. So we feel that we are not alone."


 
photo: the aspect of hope. Let the flame of hope always burn. Flames of oil lamps at the cradle of Jesus in the Nativity church in Bethlehem.


PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD...
no matter from what cultural or religious background... I invite you now, to get in contact with each other. To write about your opinion and feelings. You can give your message to me or even better post it below (if you click on the "comment" button). Then everyone will be able to read it and give back his thoughts.

 
photo: let the POSITIVE take roots. Every thought, every feeling, every action -no matter how small - will manifest and take roots. You can chose the POSTIVE and eventually make a difference.

INVITATION...
If you would like to see more photos and hear about life in Israel and Palestine come to my photopresentation. If I am not already booked in your city, you can also invite me to hold a public presentation.
You can ask for my schedule and contact me for photo orders via email: Claudia.Henzler@henzlerworks.com 

A DAY OF BEAUTIFUL ENCOUNTERS


I had invited two acquaintances for the afternoon – an orthodox Jew and a catholic theologian - to come on the Mount of Olives to meet with Ibrahim Abu el Hawa, the Muslim peacemaker where I do live. Ibrahim shared a lot of his feelings, stories of his ancestors and about his peace-work… And I had the impression he made quite a deep impact. This is what I love, interreligious dialog… only if we meet the other, we can learn to understand better…ourselves and the others…

 
Photo: Ibrahim - a Muslim, believing in Peace

Afterwards I went to the Flagelation where Don Blazej had to defend his theological dissertation infront of a committee of 4 franciscan scholars. It has been interesting for me to attend this occasion, since I have never been to any kind of these presentations before. It was highly intellectual. Even though I intellectually I could not follow (I admit I have too little knowledge about the bible) I was not bored… Actually at times I felt really happy, because suddenly I had a sure feeling that – to love God and to be loved by him – we do not necessarily need to talk, write or think in such an intellectual way… To me it seemed: yes, God is more profound and dense then anything else in and beyond creation. And at the same time, God is simple, light and touchable… if we are just aware enough… Everyone can feel him… in the breeze of the Wind he is caressing us… like the sunlight we can feel him shine upon us… we just need to open our heart… and see… he is there… But additionally I was also happy to be testimonial that there are so bright intelligent people as Don Blazej and the committee of Professors… Also this intellectual intelligence is an expression of Gods many facets… And he is just GREAT… He does so many miracles.

 
Photo: Don Blazej Strba during the defense of his dissertation

Afterwards I still wanted to go to the Dormition Abbey – my beloved church on Mount Zion that I never get tired to visit and also write about. As I went through the Old City 2 little guys stopped me after another “this way is closed”… First I did not believe it – but because of the Jewish Shabbat I then began to believe it. Anas, a young – maybe 12 year old Palestinian boy – asked me, if he can show me the way… I said ok. So I asked him, what would be the quickest way to the Dormtion. We did not have much time, because the Complet were to begin already 10 minutes later… and an additional problem is, that the church doors are always closed at that time… so whoever wants to attend the Complet (the night prayer of the Benedictines) has to be lucky and hope that God will send someone, who belongs to the Dormiton who has a key, and will enter the church at the right moment when you are infront of the locked doors (to me it already happened quite some times that no one came and I just stood infront of locked doors). So this time, the Palestinian said to me… you can´t go through Zion´s Gate (which has to be crossed to get to the Church), because it is closed. I asked him “if it is open, will you promise me, to come with me to the church for 20 minutes?” The guy answered yes. I already knew that Zion´s gate is never closed. So I was really happy. ...

 
Photo: Dormition Abbey - Choir

I think not many Muslims – if any at all – do ever enter churches. And fair enough as we arrived at the back door, right in that Moment Sister Bernadette came. So the door was opened for us… And as we slowly got back our breath from running, I explained him just very briefly about the Complet… that the monks will sing, and pray and that there will be some silence in between. And I said, in case he feels bored he can pray in his heart the way he likes for his parents or what ever he feels. With big eyes and ears he followed everything. And likewise the brothers – as they entered the church looked at him (and probably at me, as I continuosly come and bring people with me from all walks and backgrounds of life). As we were praying I asked God “if you want, do a miracle… touch his heart”… As the abbot sang from the depth of his soul “our father thou art in heaven” – which is indeed the most beautifully sang “our father” that I ever heard in my life – Anas, my new Palestinian acquaintances wept secretly… As we went out, he said: how beautiful. I want to sleep in this church…. I was really really happy. That was the best of the day… He accompanied me to the Western Wall where he went back to his Arab Quarter. Before leaving, I asked him, if he wants to come again. And he said “yes please, can I come tomorrow with you?”… I am in deep gratitude… 

SACHA - A STORY OF FAITH


Sacha - I still don´t know how old he is, maybe in his end thirties – went over land to the Holy Land… from Firenze, Italy. Many years ago, after a very exciting life where he had experienced all sorts of beautiful and crazy things, he made a decision. He said “ I am going to experience how it is to walk barefoot”… For 8 (!!!) entire years he never bare shoes. Out of choice. No matter if it did snow, of if he went through the hot desert sand… He even went through a fire-test… and walked on hot coals a few times… What did that teach him… A lesson that your mind can be master over your body… But of course this was not the only lesson learned… Just imagine, would you walk into any kind of office or to an official meeting… or into a supermarket… or just about anywhere else then the beach and in your bathroom without shoes? Could you take the looks and thoughts of the people around you ? What kind of a lesson can you learn there… To be confident in yourself… To detach from what people think about you… To trust, you can make it, even under the most difficult situations… I think you will be able to trust more and more in yourself and at the same time become more and more humble.

 
Photo: Sacha - experiencing the abundance of the moment

Sacha – for an entire year, he did not touch any money. This was another choice – day by day… but it became 365 days in a row - that after he had experienced the material riches of the world – he wanted to see how it is, when you have nothing. NOTHING! … No money in your pocket. Not even a penny. Along with his dress he did take only a tooth brush, a soap and a T-Shirt. Not even a second pair of pants or alike… No sleeping bag, no iso-matress, no shoes, no jacket, no NOTHING…. Just: COMPLETE FAITH. Faith that the right things will be provided to him. Sometimes he was invited into houses of strangers, other times he slept outside… anywhere… no matter how cold or warm it was… And he still is alive… He made it…

About a year ago he had a very bad motorbike accident. His knee broke, his leg needed to be fixed… Doctors said he would never be able to walk normally again… But he did train and train his legs… And now… you know the story already… he came over land from Firenze to the Holy Land. Partly by train, also hitchhiking, but walking also major parts on his “weak” legs… Getting stronger and stronger every day… Such is the power of faith…

With 50 Euro in his pocket (no bank account) he feels like a rich man… and he has the aura of someone who has everything needed in life. He creates abundance in his mind. And things fall into place… There is something invisible… Divine… that substains him… that is, what he feels and experiences…

I feel very blessed that I met Sacha and hope through sharing parts of his life-experiences with you, you receive from it, what YOU need… I invite you to pass on this story, to inspire others and write a comment. Thanks. 

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Two nice things happened this evening in the area around Mt. Zion… The guy that sells the breads infront of Zions Gate, when I came to greet him, he invited me and gave me a bread.

It was very special for me, because about 7 months ago, a friend of mine bought a bread from him. And when he charged her 4 Shekel she said “that really pisses me off. This is not right to ripp off tourists!”… And they almost got into a fight. I tried to calm down the two of them and said “peace, peace” … then we continued our way to the Dormition… And when we came back out of the Dormition a good time later, I greeted him and wished him a happy day.

Since that day I kept greeting him and he began to also greet me back. After more and more time all the people that always spend the day in the same area began to greet me. Today it came to the point where this bread-seller – who seeme so greedy and naughty in the beginning - actually gave a bread to me as a present. I was really moved… And thought… it is so much worth it to try an extra time, when someone is mean to you, when someone is seemingly “ripping you off” and treating you unfair… Just go the extra mile… just try one more time… try to see the divine in the other… and ultimately this will change the relationship to the positive.

When I entered the Dormition I told Victor – the toilet cleaner about the incidence. He was happy for me. Then I thought… well I should not only offer him some of the bread I got… he really needs money… I took out the 20 Shekel I had with me and handed it to him. He did not want to take it “you have no money”... I said “ this is for you… don´t worry… And I hope it will multiply…”

 
Photo: Naef, the street-sweets-seller on Mount Zion

When I got up to the churchyard again, I greeted Naef, another humble street-sweets-seller. Just greeting him, he took out a piece of sweets (already the second time he does that) and said “here, this is for you”… I was really touched… This is, when I feel God is caring for me… when I feel God is giving me more, than I need… I do not have to worry. I just have to trust and always the best will happen… And this holds true for all of us!

Let us count the Blessings that happen in our lives daily... And we will realize how rich we are. 

VIP MICHAEL GLOS VISITS THE DORMTION ABBEY

 

Jerusalem. Just back from a whole day in Tel Aviv I went to the Dormition Abbey this night... Actually the doors should have been already closed...
but I thought... Anyways I will try to get there... and God, if you
want me to be able to pray there, you will help me... You always find
a way... And as I came.. not only were the gates still open... no,
Abbot Benedikt Lindeman along with Dr. Petra Heldt (holder of the
german award "dt. Bundesverdienstkreuz") and Friar Elias were
waiting for the german minister of economy Michael Glos to arrive any
minute. I was asked to take some pictures... and just 2 minutes later
Michael Glos arrived...

Once again I was amazed how God works... instead of standing infront
of closed doors, he even gave me the chance of meeting one of germanys
most important people... what a grace...

Again I experienced... when I felt in great doubt if anything worked
out... and then surrendered... Gods grace is working unfailingly...
and much greater than we could ever imagine... That - at least for me
- is the most touching...

God is always there... and especially in moments where we do not feel
him... were we wonder where he might have gone... In those moments he
is carrying us on his shoulders... 

ORTHODOX CELEBRATION OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

What an amazing experience.... the orthodox feast of the Ascension of Christ! I did not know what would await me, when I entered the grounds of the place where Christs Ascension to Heaven is commemorated. The property that nowadays is in the hands of muslims - the church is now a mosque - was turned into a place for joyfully celebrating christians. Greeks had their tent next to Syrians, the Syrians had their little tent next to the Copts and the Copts had their tent next to the tent of the Armenians.... All were celebrating paralell. For hours. Every Denomination was praying and singing in their own style giving its best...

The atmosphere reminded me of the atmosphere at the Holy Sepulchre (the place where Jesus was crucified and where his tomb is)in the Easter night where also all 4 denominations were celebrating and singing paralell... I felt what sometimes in the Holy Land seems like "fighting who is stronger, who can pray louder, who can overwhelm the other denominatins" there as at the Ascension Feast was a perfect symphony... hearts were outpouring their joy... Infact, I felt a steady increase of joy and energy... Looking at the colorful celebrations, listening to the wonderful different songs and prayers in different languages... And amazed I thought... How beautiful is God... how great is He... How unique... In how many countless aspects He shows us his different faces daily.

Even though the celebrations were absolutely colorful, I chose to share some of the countless impressions with you in Sepia - "brown and white"... To just get as close as possible to the core of everyone... without any distractions...


Greek orthodox...

 


Armenian orthodox...

 


Coptic orthodox...

 


Syrian orthodox...

  

CELEBRATING MARY VISITING ELISABETH in EN KAREM


Some impressions of the wonderful franciscan Celebration at En Karem... where about 2000 years ago the pregnant Mary visited her cousin Elisabeth.

Some of the Joy that the women shared while their babys - Jesus and John the baptist - where dancing with joy in their wombs at that beautiful period of time still remains in the air, even today.


Franciscans on the way to pay a visit....

 


My soul magnifies the Lord...

 


And my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour...

 


He who is mighty has done great things for me...

 


As always, more pictures are available on CD upon request.

  

THE COMMUNITY OF THE BEATITUDES

I. THE PICTURES

A visit at the community of Beatitudes at Emmaus-Nicopolis near Jerusalem
... some impressions...


 


The lamb with the cross... sign of the Community of Beatitudes.
A sign of ... serving... out of love... 

 


"God let me serve you."

A sister at work in the pottery shop of the community. Emmaus Nicopolis. 

 


Discovering the beauty of Gods will... in the new and in the old…

Emmaus-Nicopolis near Jerusalem. Part of the convent the Community of
the Beatitudes lives in. 

 


Oportunities of Growth...

Realizing God as the uniting source of love and life.

Daily. Anew.

...Especially when facing differences and difficulties
within yourself, the community and in the outer world. 

 


"Lord, let me be in your presence."

A sister taking time for God in silent adoration. 

 


"God, you created everyone of us in a unique way. Let us discover
every day anew, what special gift we can share with those around us."

Passion flower in the garden of the convent, Emmaus Nicopolis. 

 


Is this reality or am I dreaming? Isn´t life like a dance?
sister watching some of her commuity members on shabbat dancing some
jewish traditional dances.


These additional thoughts came to my mind as I looked at the picture:


LIVING THE DANCE OF LIFE...
being active…and…passiv
giving… and…receiving
experiencing ups… and…downs
observing…and…acting.

Sometimes life seems static…and other times…
everything seems... in motion.
Passion... and... compassion
joy... and... pain
cruxifiction... and... resurrection...
reality... and ...dreams...
are dancing...the Dance of Life.
The dance of duality.


II. THE COMMUNITY OF THE BEATITUDES
... is a catholic community, where consacrated brothers and sisters as
well as families and lay single persons live a god centered life
together.

They have a special emphasis on integrating the Jewish roots into
their Christian life. And even though they are not allowed to
evangelize in Israel - in general this is forbidden by the state of
Israel to Christians - I heard from them, that a lot of Jews do
appreciate their examples very much... (there is a lot of
reconciliation work to do for Christians, since the Jews were
continuosly accused of being guilty for Jesus death (which of course
makes them feel either guilty or angry)and for instance during the
crusader times countless Jews were killed by the Christians... So
looking at History, it is important for Christians to ask for
forgiveness, to act in a loving way, to reach out to Jews and to try
to understand them, their culture and traditions better and thus
understanding also Christianity better... Jesus was raised as a
Jew...)

BR. JOSEPH...ONE RADICAL EXAMPLE
One "radical" positive example whom I met myself is JOSEPH. He is
coming from Libanon. LIBANON! This is the first "miracle" since
normally it is practically impossible for people of Libanon to enter
Israel and vice versa. But Joseph is not only from Libanon, he is also
Catholic (mostly people would think he must be a Muslim... even
though in Libanon live about 50 % Christians), on top he is a Brother
(meaning that he made vows of chastity, poverty and obedience etc) in
the Catholic Community of Beatitudes that has a strong emphasis on and
love for Israel, its people, roots and religion...

Normally people coming from an arabic culture are not exactly fond of
the Israeli/ Jewish culture... But imagine... Now comes a Brother to
Israel (looking like an Arab), with a passport from a country which
indicates that normally it is forbidden to ever enter Israel,... and
he even studies hebrew... and talks it well. He prays and sings in
hebrew, celebrates the shabbat (in the community the shabat is
celebrated every weekend and in Israel many times community members
also go to Synagoges and are invited by Jews to Shabat meals) ..
Finally as the "top of the crown" this Brother Joseph even dances
Jewish folklore dances with delight(also another tradition that the
Community of Beatitudes emphasises) ...

Examples like Br. Joseph are really shattering every imaginable
picture, especially for Jews that - seing Joseph - imagine there could
not be some one more apart from their culture and religion. But here
he is, connecting to them... even in their language... hebrew.
This is happening!... Right now!... On our beloved PLANET EARTH.

...And.. brother Joseph is only ONE of the many examples that make the
Community of Beatitudes as special as they are. Every one is unique...
and every one is trying in his way to live according to Gods will in
the best possible way. And I am very thankful I got a chance to meet
some of them in their Community near Jerusalem.

For more information on the Beatitudes please check out their official
website: www.beatitudes.org 

INDEPENDENCE DAY of ISRAEL

 


Let´s celebrate...

Independence Day of Israel ...
joyful celebration on the streets of the New City of Jerusalem.
 

 


How can I protect?
How can I serve?

In what ways can I show my love...
for my family... for my friends... for my country...? 

 


... police officer, celebrating the INDEPENDENCE DAY of Israel ... 

 


Orthodox Jew enjoying the evening sun on Mt. Zion, Jerusalem. 

DORMITION ABBEY - JERUSALEM ...some impressions...


 


1) Dying to the old self - saying YES forever to God and to the life
as a benedictine monk.

Surrendering and giving the official final vows.
Fr. Jonas and Fr. Basilius OSB, Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. 

 


2) Let´s listen full devotion to the Word of God on the altar of our hearts.
Altar of the Dormition at easter time. 

 

3) Mary is there for us, we can pray to her. She will be taking our prayers to God. Mary in the Crypta of the Dormition. 

 


4) Contemplating on the significance of death. What means death? What means resurrection? Death of what? What is it worth to die for? In what ways do we have to die before our "resurrection" can occur?...

Monk sitting in the crypta of the dormition - here decorated as "the tomb of Jesus" on Holy Friday. 

 


5) Jesus gave up his life for us. Through his crucifixion we see how much he loves us (especially in tough times we see to what degree we can love... the more we love, the more we are able to sacrifice and surrender and compromise our own disires in favor of God and our neighbors). May we be able to love more and more like Jesus - becoming less selfish and egocentric and focusing more on the divine... 

LOVE versus LAW

St. Moses the black, an early Christian saint of Egypt was already known during his lifetime as a very ascetic, humble and holy man by his fellow beings.

Once – during the time of fasting – it occurred that hermits saw smoke coming out of the little hermitage of Moses. They thought “how is that possible? He is always saying he lives an ascetic life, he almost eats and drinks nothing… and now, what do we see? We see smoke coming out of his cottage… he is cooking. He is breaking the law.”

A few days later one of the hermits dared to mention to Moses the smoke that he had seen coming out of the simple hermitage “ Moses, how come you cook? How come especially during this Christian time of fasting? How come you do something and teach us something else?”

Moses the black replied “Dear hermit, two travelers came from far apart. They were full of the dust of the street and hungry. So I invited them into my little hermitage. I gave them shelter and prepared them some food. To not let them be ashamed, I ate with them”

What are laws, rules and regulations for? To help us live in the right way, also concerning the needs of the others. If law prohibits us from doing acts of love, than didn’t the law loose its meaning?

Love is the highest power in the universe. Sometimes doesn’t it seem difficult for us, to know what to do? So we want to cling to the known laws and rules. But isn’t it always good to differentiate anew, to ask yourself, what is the highest law – LOVE – and what would that selfless love lead me to do in the according situation?

Love.

Special thanks to my dear friend Father Antonius, a Coptic monk from the Coptic orthodox monastery of Jerusalem. He opened my eyes anew with this story, in a moment when I wanted to hold on to my self-imposed rules instead of choosing an act of love…

He told me the story because of the following context:

I refused a glass of coffee, offered by him, I told him that would be my “sacrifice” in the time of the fasting for God. (I love coffee and honestly feel quite addicted to it…) In this moment it was more important to accept the offered gift of Abuna Antonius than holding on to “fulfilling” the rule.
If I would have fulfilled the rule, whom would I have pleased most? God?! Certainly not. He doesn’t like me more or less because of drinking coffee or not. But maybe with such an attitude I would hurt my fellow being. And doesn’t God also reside in him?!

GOD, help us to distinguish wisely and when looking at the world and circumstances within and around us, let us perceive it with your eyes of love.

Dominus Flevit - one of my favorite places. I love to stand in front of the altar seeing the Old City of Jerusalem with the Dome of Rocks (Mosque) and many countless churches through the beautiful window. Here I feel I can breathe freely, here I can detach from the density of experiences - joyous ones as well as those that are rich of conflicts. Here I can refocus on God, his eternal peace and love.

As I went to Dominus Flevit - one of my favorite churches in Jerusalem - it was the first time I took my laptop with me to work there in the wonderful garden overlooking Jerusalem. I just wanted to say a little prayer before beginning to work... and actually prayed and sang there about 4 hours...

It was really a wonderful experience... And once again I realized everything has a meaning.

I sang. And then suddenly I heard an older diseased woman talking in spanish to God. I began to talk to her a bit in spanish and asked her if she wants to sing something together in spanish. So we actually did. She - coming with her son from Mexico (very simple farmers) was very happy. We went on talking, praying and singing together. Then the franciscan brother Leo came too. And another priest from California. We all began to pray in spanish and asked for Blessings.

Br. Leo invited us into the sacresty were we celebrated this wonderful experience with some choclate chip cookies and soda. And even my laptop came into use, as I heard that the mexicans lost their camera and wanted to have pictures of Israel... So I showed them a slide show of pictures from Israel and Assisi. All were happy and they even ordered a CD from me...

God works in such incredible ways. He really cares for all his children. He always wants the highest good for us. The more we trust in his guidance, the more will unfold in abbundance.
So many experiences like this happen in my life continuosly. This is better then any movie script I could think of. In my eyes God is the best movie-director and producer that exists :)

IS PEACE POSSIBLE TODAY? THE WAY OF MIDDLEWAY

I just came back from a Peace workshop of the organisation "Middleway" (MW). MW is focusing on compassionate listening and coming from an israeli root, working together with the Palestinians, striving for peace (more in a spiritual than a political way - but for further info check also: www.middleway.org)...

It was an overwhelming experience again. I heard many touching stories, especially from the side of the Palestinians, that arrived mostly from the devided village Barta with a special permit (One of the Palestinian guys told me, that he left his little village the first time after 10 years). Lots of times tears came to my eyes... But through physical exercises we learned to actively laugh about ourselves and not to take life too seriously, and that helped us to relax again and to free ourselves from raised tensions.

The 2 day workshop enabled us to listen in a way that got more and more profound. The listening and understanding came evermore from the heart instead of only from the intellect. It was really astonishing.

I liked that Israelis and Palestinian participated alike and shared a lot.
And I think I learned that I can always improve my listening and understanding capacity.

Obviously there are countless deeply rooted conflicts everywhere between Israelis and Palestinians. Sometimes it just seems too much to even listen to the tragical stories. It feels overwhelming. And even me - as a "neutral" person, I feel that I want to shut down, that I want to scream or say "it's too much, I can't handle this. This is all crazy!".

I see again and again that the walls that are manifested in a real and touchable way in Israel in so many areas, are also a reflection of the invisible walls that I build up again and again.
I talk of the invisible walls that I built up, as I close down inside, when I do not want to listen any longer. Or when I say inside "this is not my business, deal with your problems alone" or when I say "oh, I understand, this is a typical Jewish/Palestinian way of acting or thinking"... in moments like this I do not allow growth. I do not allow further and deeper understanding. I do not allow my heart to open. I actually close it in these moments.

And it is there where I want to stop and ask myself: Why do I built up my inner walls? Because I feel powerless?! Because I feel out of control?! Because I feel insecure?! Because I see my limits? Because I do not trust enough in my power that I can handle the information that reaches me? Because I might have to revise some of my own beliefs? Because I feel not accepted? Because I feel rejected? Because I do not feel apreciated and loved?....

What helps me very much everytime when I feel so overwhelmed,is to focus on God and to pray to him, that he will take care of me, that he will help me to understand better, to open my heart more. That he helps me to open up again, even when it seems impossible to tear down my walls, when it seems impossible for me to find a glimpse of hope for a better future for the suffering people etc. And I feel this prayer really helps.

Mainly I pray the prayer of Charles de Foucauld "The prayer of Devotion" (in 66 languages on the internet on www.charlesdefoucauld.org). I even gave it to many people here already. And yesterday I gave it to the Palestinians in Arab and to the Israelis in Hebrew and they liked it a lot.

I think the amazing process that we (the workshop participants)went through was, that when we wanted to shut down... and maybe even did so several times... We got together afterwards again. We refocused. We tried anew. We listened again. We managed to re-open our hearts. And everytime after a "break down" or a "shut down", As soon as we found the power to overcome our own inner walls, we were able to listen on a deeper level from the heart.

This really gives me hope. We can do it.

It will take time to overcome the walls - the physical and touchable ones as well as the invisible walls inside ourselves. But it can be done. With a lot of patience, good will, positive nonviolent actions and also the mercy of God. This is what I strongly believe.

ADVENT

Today I went to the dormition church twice. It was so absolutely wonderful there. The benedictine monks prepared a beautiful holy mass in the morning. They always sing in gregorian style and seem very interiorized and focused on God.

Today the abbot said "prepare yourself for the coming of Christ. Awake. Don't sleep. Jesus comes like a thief in the night. So be awake. Be aware. Be conscious. Realize that Jesus resides in you and in the person that is next to you. And when there are times that you do not feel Gods presence, don't try to cover this feeling of emptyness not even with being overly active in a humanitarian way. Confront your emptyness and go inside. Look for God. He is present. Even if we do not feel it...."

I feel grateful that I had a chance to listen to these words and songs. They help me to stay focused on God... And I am happy to bring more and more people to the dormition church, which is one of my favorite ones in Jerusalem. The crypt of Mother Mary in the lower church is really magnificent and the less people and visitors are there the easier it is to connect with Mary and Jesus and God there. It has a wonderful atmosphere and I wish you all will have a chance to see it, once.

There are also two pictures on my website www.faces-of-israel.blogspot.com of the "red mother mary and the tomb of mary".