By, Deacon Stephanos Khoury, St. George Greek Catholic Church
Zababdeh, Jenin
I hope you are doing well
From early this morning, we had a special day for the children. We prepared the place, inflated the balloons and inflatables, and welcomed the children as they arrived. They played, laughed, and learned about faith and culture.
It was beautiful to see the children smiling. In these difficult circumstances, a child’s laughter becomes something very precious. For a few hours, they were able to forget the fear and anxiety around them and simply be children, experiencing the joy and freedom they deserve.
Father Firas — A Man of Peace and Steadfastness
Father Firas is a man of peace and steadfastness. He teaches us to remain rooted in our land when difficulties become greater and never to allow fear to take away our hope.
Today, I saw with my own eyes how much people need this kind of strength. Hundreds of people come to him, seeking his advice and his words during these difficult times. Many people need someone who will listen to them, encourage them, and remind them that they are not alone.
Behind Every Child’s Smile Is a Tired Family
We saw the children laughing and playing, but we also know that behind every child is a family carrying a great deal of pain.
Parents are under tremendous psychological and emotional pressure. The constant bad news affects them deeply, and sometimes this suffering even affects their relationship with God and their ability to pray.
Today, while we were preparing the activities and inflating the balloons, one of my friends told me that people in the town are extremely exhausted because of all the bad news.
Then he said something that stayed with me:
“But what can we do? I have a little daughter. I work from eight in the morning until six in the evening for her future, and so that I can provide the basic needs for my family.”
These words say so much about our reality.
People are tired, but they continue.
They are afraid, but they keep working.
They are carrying heavy burdens, but they still try to smile in front of their children.
Sometimes a person may lose the strength to speak, but they do not stop hoping.
So We Pray
Please, pray for us.
Pray for the people here—for their strength, their perseverance, and their hope. Pray for the families carrying such heavy burdens, and for the children who deserve to grow up in peace and safety.
Pray that God will protect our children, give strength to every father and mother, bring rest to those who are exhausted, peace to those who are afraid, and hope to those who are losing hope.
Jesus tells us:
“Knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
And today, we knock.
O God, we knock on Your door for Your people.
We knock for the children.
We knock for the families.
We knock for every person who is tired and worried about tomorrow.
Lord, when circumstances become difficult, help us remember that You are with us.
When we feel that every door is closed, open a door for us.
When our faith becomes weak, strengthen us.
When hope becomes difficult, plant new hope in our hearts.
Protect our children.
Protect our families.
Protect our people.
You are our God, and we are Your people. We call upon Your name.
Lord, keep hope alive in our hearts.
Let Your light be stronger than every darkness.
Amen
