The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, has asked Christians in
the Holy Land to join in prayer and fasting for the relief of a
seven-year drought.
Israeli Jews and some Muslims have also been praying for an end to the drought, according to local reports.
Among the Jews and Christians, the seven dry years up to now may
recall Biblical events such as the seven years of famine recorded in the
book of Genesis, or the three years and six months of severe drought
during the ministry of the prophet Elijah.
Patriarch Twal evoked that Old Testament prophet in his message to
the priests and lay faithful of Jerusalem, noting that “St. Elijah
prayed (for rain) and was answered.”
Without specifying any contemporary cause, the patriarch observed
that the years of drought “indicate God's anger upon our land, the Holy
Land.”
Although Israeli Jews and Christians might disagree on any prophetic
interpretations of the drought's cause, both groups have been praying
fervently for its end.
The Jerusalem Post reported on Nov. 28 that the
following Monday would bring “yet another day” for Jews to fast and pray
for rain at the holy city's Western Wall.
Two leading Israel rabbis wrote, on that occasion, that the land was
“dry due to our many sins,” although they similarly omitted any mention
of specific causes.
Because Christian tradition forbids fasting on Sundays, Patriarch
Twal has set aside two days to implore “the gift of rain.”
On the second
Sunday of the Advent season, Dec. 5, he has encouraged the faithful to
focus on prayer for rain.
On the subsequent Friday –the most traditional day of fasting for
Christians– he has asked the faithful to fast by means of a simplified
or restricted diet, or to perform “any other … act of penance,” as a
tangible means of imploring God “with prayers and pleas.”
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