Hostage Exchange

 

This is the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, offering to take the place of Hamas' hostages.  This morning I was reading a letter St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote around 100 AD.  This hostage exchange was in my mind as I read Ignatius telling the early Christians not to rescue him, but rather pray for him.

I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way.  I plead with you: show me me no untimely kindness.  Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God....  

An Exit Strategy

 How will this war between Hamas and Israel end?  The answer is easy.  The war will end when Hamas is gone.  WWII ended when Nazism ended.  

I know you could argue that this war was expected since Israel made the Gaza strip a virtual prison, with their check points, surveillance, and annoying rules.  But does all that justify the massacre Hamas has perpetrated?  

Hamas is a hate group.  Can they change?

Some people's minds and hearts are poisoned much like rabid animals.  They cannot be healed. I'm sorry to write this, but I'm also sorry that it is true.  The only chance for peace is to get rid of Hamas.  Those poor Palestinians that don't agree with Hamas know this is true.  If anyone knows this to be true, it is the peace loving Palestinians.  May God help them.