Last Supper: Sacraments, Humility and Temptation

By: Elias Bejjani*
http://www.10452lccc.com

On the Thursday that comes before the "Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, Catholics all over the world, including our Maronite Eastern Church celebrates with prayers and intercessions the "Thursday of the Holy Mysteries",  which is also known as the "Washing Thursday ",  the "Covenant Thursday", and the "Great & Holy Thursday". It is the holy day feast that falls on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His 12 Apostles as described in the gospel. It is the fifth day of the last Lenten Holy Week, that is followed by the, "Good Friday", "Saturday Of The Light  and "Easter Sunday".
Christianity in its essence and core is Love, Sacrifice, honesty, transparency, devotion, hard work and Humility. Jesus during the last supper with His 12 Apostles reiterated and stressed all these Godly values and principles. In this holy and message proclaiming context He executed the following acts :
He, ordained His Apostles as priests, and asked them to proclaim God's message.   “You have stayed with me all through my trials; 29 and just as my Father has given me the right to rule, so I will give you the same right. 30 You will eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22/28 and 29)
He, taught His Apostles and every body else, that evil temptation and betrayal can hit all those who detach and dissociate themselves from God, do not fear Him, lack faith, lose hope and worship earthly treasures. He showed them by example that even a disciple that He personally had picked and choose (Judas, the Iscariot) has fell a prey to Satan's temptation. “But, look! The one who betrays me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die as God has decided, but how terrible for that man who betrays him!" Luke 22/21)

He, washed His  Apostles' feet to teach them by example modesty, devotion and humility. “So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13/12-16).
Modesty was stressed and explained by Jesus after His  Apostles were arguing among themselves who is the greatest: "
"An argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them should be thought of as the greatest.  Jesus said to them, “The kings of the pagans have power over their people, and the rulers claim the title ‘Friends of the People.’ But this is not the way it is with you; rather, the greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant. Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves." (Luke 22/24 till 27)
Thursday of the "Holy Mysteries", is called so because in His Last Supper with the 12 disciples, Jesus Christ established the Eucharist and Priesthood Sacraments when "He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves, for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes.” "He took bread, broke it and gave it to the disciples saying: This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me. And when He Likewise, took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you".

Thursday of the Holy Mysteries (Secrets-Sacraments) is the heart of the last Lenten holy week, in which the Maronite Catholic Church lives with reverence and devotion the Lord's Last Supper spirit and contemplation through prayers and deeply rooted religious rituals and traditions:

The Patriarch prays over and blesses the chrism (Al-Myroun), as well as the oil of baptism and anointing that are to are distributed on all parishes and churches.

During the mass that is held on this Holy Day, the priest washes the feet of twelve worshipers, mainly children (symbolizing the apostles numbers). Jesus washed His disciples feet and commanded them to love each other and follow his example in serving each other.
Worshipers visit and pray in seven Churches. This ritual denotes to the completion of the Church's Seven sacraments (Secrets) : Priesthood, Eucharist, Holy Oil, Baptism, Confirmations, anointing and Service.
This tradition also denotes to the seven locations that Virgin Mary's went to look for Her Son, Jesus, after she learned about His arrest. The detention place, The Council of the Priests, twice the Pilate's headquarters, twice the Herod Headquarters, till She got to the Calvary.
Some Christian scholars believe that this tradition was originated in Rome where early pilgrims visited the seven pilgrim churches as an act of penance. They are Saint John Lateran, Saint Peter, Saint Mary Major, Saint Paul-outside-the-Walls, Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls, Holy Cross-in-Jerusalem, and traditionally Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls. Pope John Paul II replaced St. Sebastian with the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Divine Love for the jubilee year of 2000.

The Mass of the Lord's Supper is accompanied by the ringing of bells, which are then silent until the Easter Vigil. Worshipers used to kneel and pray the rosary in front of the Eucharist (Blessed Sacrament) all Thursday night. The Blessed Sacrament remains exposed all night, while worshipers are encouraged to stay in the church as much as they can praying, meditating upon the Mystery of Salvation, and participating in the “agony of Gethsemane” (Garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives) in Jerusalem where Jesus spent his night in prayer before His crucifixion on Good Friday.

After the homily washing of feet the service concludes with a procession taking the Blessed Eucharist (Sacrament) to the place of reposition. The altar is later stripped bare, as are all other altars in the church except the Altar of Repose.

Thursday of the "Holy Mysteries", is called so because in His Last Supper with the 12 disciples, Jesus Christ established the Eucharist and Priesthood Sacraments when "He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves, for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes.” "He took bread, broke it and gave it to the disciples saying: This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me. And when He Likewise, took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you".

Jesus ordained His disciples as priests of the New Testament when he said to them during the Last Supper: "But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Before Celebrating the Resurrection Day (Easter) worshipers live the "Paschal Mystery" through the Thursday Of the Sacraments, Good Friday and Saturday Of The Light.

Because He loves us and wants us to dwell in His Eternal Heaven,  Jesus Christ for our sake willingly suffered all kinds of torture, pain, humiliation and died on the Cross to pave our way for repentance and salvation.
Let us pray on this Holy Day that we always remember Jesus' love and sacrifices and live our life in this context of genuine, faith, love, meekness and forgiveness.

To Read the Arabic version of the above piece, Click Here
http://www.10452lccc.com/elias%20arabic11/elias.khamiesasrar28.3.13.htm

Audio/To Listen to explanation of this piece in the Lebanese Dialogue, Click Here
http://www.clhrf.com/elias.editorials13/elias.khamies%20al%20asrar28.3.13.wma

Elias Bejjani
Canadian-Lebanese Human Rights activist, journalist and political commentator 
Email phoenicia@hotmail.com
Web sites http://www.10452lccc.com & http://www.clhrf.com
Mailing phoenicia group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Phoenicia/.
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/elias.y.bejjani

Halleluiah, Jesus Has Risen

By: Elias Bejjani*
http://www.10452lccc.com

"If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable" (Corinthians15/19)

On this holy day, of Resurrection, we are ought to be aware that for our prayers to be looked upon and heard by Almighty God, we are required to reconcile with with all others on whom we have inflicted pain and injustice, and treated them with an evil manner. To please the Lord we are required to genuinely, heartily and overtly perform all required acts of repentance for all our mischievous conducts and wrongdoings. We are requires to pray and pray and pray.

"Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions" (Mark 11/24-26)

How great is the need nowadays, to understand the meaning and message of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sadly fast pace of life, merciless competition, detachment from almighty God and materialism, have turned us into mere robots and a bunch of spiritually crippled human beings, consumed by greed, selfishness and the lust for earthly pleasures and treasures.

Because of lack of both faith and hope our thoughts and actions are dominated, obsessed and directed by trifle material and earthly matters and concerns. In the midst of all this  faith, moral and ethical havoc, we have forgotten that we are the sons and daughters of Almighty God, and that He has created us in His image and likeness and made our bodies a temple for Him.

For our salvation, "He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead." (Creed)

The rising again of Jesus from the dead, and His ascending into heaven are the resurrection miracle that the church celebrates on the Easter Day. Resurrection is the cornerstone, the pillar, the heart, the foundation, and the core of the Christian faith. Those who claim to be Christians, no matter to what denomination or church they belong,  are not actually Christians if they doubt or do not totally believe in the resurrection. Plainly, and simply resurrection is Christianity and Christianity is resurrection.

Easter Sunday (Resurrection) is a holy feast of love, humility, forgiveness, brotherhood, tolerance and repentance. Religiously worshipers are not to participate in any of these feast prayers or make any offerings or receive the Holy Communion unless they willingly replace hatred with love, grudges with forgiveness, rejection of others with tolerance, arrogance with humility, greed with contentment, deception with transparency, and wickedness with righteousness.

On this Holy Day of Resurrection, we need to be aware that Jesus' Holy blood was shed on the Cross for our sake. Remembrance of His death and resurrection is a Godly consignment that we are entrusted with. It’s up to us either to honour this trust or betray it.

In regards to what is committed to us, Saint Paul conveyed to his disciple Timothy the following advice: "Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; which some professing have erred concerning the faith". (6/20-21):

Resurrection, this pivotal liturgical fact was strongly stressed by all the Apostles, especially by Saint Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians. He said: "Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. Yes, we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn’t raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised. For if the dead aren’t raised, neither has Christ been raised.  If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death". (15/12-26):
 

Lord Jesus who died on the cross, had risen from the dead on the third day just as He has said while proclaiming His message. He triumphed over death, defeated the forces of darkness, overcame pain, abolished anguish and brought despair to an end. He rose from the tomb to be constantly with those faithful to Him throughout their lives, and to never abandon them. He shall empower forever those who believe in His message and observe His commandments with the spirit of truth, knowledge, wisdom and solidarity with His Father, Almighty God.
 

Do not be afraid, “Don’t be amazed", with these reassuring and soothing words The Angel spoke to Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They had came to the tomb on Sunday morning to mummify and anoint Jesus' Body as the Jewish tradition required. They thought death had defeated Jesus and ended His life as it does to every human being. On their way, they were sadly thinking and wondering who will roll for them the stone away from the tomb's entrance so they can get in and perform the mummifying and anointing process. While halfway from the tomb, they saw that the enormous stone had been rolled away. When they entered the tomb they found that Jesus' body was not there. They found only the shrouds that His body was wrapped with on His burial after the crucifixion.
 

Through Crucifixion and resurrection, Christ has overcome death, broke its thorn, and granted us His eternal forgiveness from the original sin. With His death and resurrection, death in its traditional earthly human concept has been abolished forever and Sin since then has become the actual death that leads the sinners to Gahanna into the unquenchable fire.

When our bodies die, we sleep in the hope of resurrection. On Jesus' return on the Day of Judgment, the dead will be the first to rise and escort Him. "Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed", (Corinthians 15/ 51-52).

Christ is the Way, Christ is the Truth, and Christ is the actual eternal life that we long for. We strongly believe with full conviction that Christ dwells in His Holy Church, and exists in its Mysteries (Sacraments). He is always present in the Holy Eucharist that we receive during every mass. Christ at all times is ready, willing and delighted to help us in our burdens when we call on Him and ask for His mercy.  

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew11/28)

If we do not learn how to tame our selfishness, anger, hatred and forgive others for whatever evil deeds they commit against us and reconcile with them, than we do not qualify to be called Jesus' followers. Our prayers will not be heard or responded to, if we do not practice the grace of forgiveness as did He who was crucified for our salvation.

“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift". (Matthew 5/23-24).
 

Our resurrection through Jesus Christ occurs today and lives on in each day of our life.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit enlighten and empower us on this Holy day just as with the Apostles on the day of Pentecost.

Let us all proudly proclaim that Christ is living in us and with us, Christ has truly risen and we are witnesses to His resurrection!

Happy Easter to all, and especially to my dear and beloved family members, relatives, supporters, friends and readers.

Halleluiah!  Jesus has risen! Indeed He has risen.

Click Here to read this editorial in Arabic

http://10452lccc.com/elias%20arabic11/easter.elias12.htm

Click here to listen to this editorial-Lebanese dialogue

http://www.clhrf.com/elias1.events/elias.easter12.wma

Elias Bejjani
Canadian-Lebanese Human Rights activist, journalist and political commentator
Email phoenicia@hotmail.com
Web sites http://www.10452lccc.com &http://www.clhrf.com

Mailing phoenicia group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Phoenicia/.

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/elias.y.bejjani

The Healing Miracle of the Paralyz

By: Elias Bejjani

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11/28-30)
The habit of praying for others in any manner or pattern is a desirable religious practice, especially when the prayers are for the sake of those who are sick, persecuted, oppressed, poor, lonely and distressed, or have fallen prey to evil temptations.
Praying for others whether they are parents, relatives, strangers, acquaintances, enemies, or friends, and for countries, is an act that exhibits the faith, caring, love, and hope of those who offer the prayers. Almighty God, Who is a loving, forgiving, passionate, and merciful Father listens to these prayers and always answers them in His own wisdom and mercy that mostly we are unable to grasp because of our limited human understanding. "All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21/22)
On the fifth Lenten Sunday the Catholic Maronites cite and recall with great reverence [ ] the Gospel of Saint Mark( 2/1-12):  "The Healing Miracle of the Paralytic": "When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house. Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”— He said to the paralytic— “I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.” He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
This great miracle in its theological essence and core demonstrates beyond doubt that intercessions, prayers and supplications for the benefit of others are acceptable faith rituals that Almighty God attentively hears and definitely answers.
It is interesting to learn that the paralytic man as stated in the Gospel of St. Mark, didn't personally call on Jesus to cure him, nor he asked Him for forgiveness, mercy or help, although as many theologians believe Jesus used to visit Capernaum, where the man lives, and preach in its Synagogue frequently. Apparently this crippled man was lacking faith, hope, distancing himself from God and total ignoring the Gospel's teaching. He did not believe that the Lord can cure him.
What also makes this miracle remarkable and distinguishable lies in the fact that the paralytic's relatives and friends, or perhaps some of Jesus' disciples were adamant that the Lord is able to heal this sick man who has been totally crippled for 38 years if He just touches him. This strong faith and hope made four of them carry the paralytic on his mat and rush to the house where Jesus was preaching. When they could not break through the crowd to inter the house they climbed with the paralytic to the roof, made a hole in it and let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on in front of Jesus and begged for his cure. Jesus was taken by their strong faith and fulfilled their request.
Jesus forgave the paralytic his sins first (“Son, your sins are forgiven you) and after that cured his body: "Arise, and take up your bed, and walk". Like the scribes many nowadays still question the reason and rationale that made Jesus give priority to the man's sins. Jesus' wisdom illustrates that sin is the actual death and the cause for eternal anguish in Hell. He absolved his sins first because sin cripples those who fall in its traps, annihilates their hopes, faith, morals and values, kills their human feelings, inflicts numbness on their consciences and keeps them far away from Almighty God. Jesus wanted to save the man's soul before He cures his earthy body. "For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?" (Mark 08:/36 & 37).
Our Gracious God does not disappoint any person when he seek His help with faith and confidence. With great interest and parental love, He listens to worshipers' prayers and requests and definitely respond to them in His own way, wisdom, time and manner. "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened". (Matthew 07/07 &08)
In this loving and forgiving context, prayers for others, alive or dead, loved ones or enemies, relatives or strangers, are religiously desirable. God hears and responds because He never abandons His children no matter what they do or say, provided that they turn to Him with faith and repentance and ask for His mercy and forgiveness either for themselves or for others. "Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 5:14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 5:15 and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up". (James 5:13)
There are numerous biblical parables and miracles in which Almighty God shows clearly that He accepts and responds to prayers for the sake of others, e.g.:
Jesus cured the centurion's servant on the request of the Centurion and not the servant himself. (Matthew 8/5-133:
Jesus revived and brought back to life Lazarus on the request of his sisters Mary and Martha. (John 11/1-44)
In conclusion: Almighty God is always waiting for us, we, His Children to come to Him and ask for His help and mercy either for ourselves or for others. He never leaves us alone. Meanwhile it is a Godly faith obligation to extend our hand and pull up those who are falling and unable to pray for themselves especially the mentally sick, the unconscious, and the paralyzed. In this realm of faith, love and care for others comes our prayers to Virgin Mary and to all Saints whom we do not worship, but ask for their intercessions and blessings.
O, Lord, endow us with graces of faith, hope, wisdom, and patience. Help us to be loving, caring, humble and meek. Show us the just paths. Help us to be on your right with the righteous on the Judgment Day.
God sees and hears us all the time, let us all fear Him in all what we think, do and say..

*Elias Bejjani*Canadian-Lebanese Human Rights activist, journalist and political commentator *Email phoenicia@hotmail.com*Web sites http://www.10452lccc.com & http://www.clhrf.com*Mailing phoenicia group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Phoenicia/.

The Haemorrhaging Women: Faith & Hope

By: Elias Bejjani*

http://www.10452lccc.com/elias%20english09/elias.the%20haemorrhaging%20women.htm

(John 6:68): “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life"
Whenever we are in real trouble encountering devastating and harsh conditions either physically or materially, we unconsciously react with sadness, anger, confusion, helplessness and feel abandoned. When in a big mess, we expect our family members and friends to automatically run to our rescue. But in the majority of such difficult situations, we discover with great disappointment that in reality our heartfelt expectations do not unfold as we wish.

What is frustrating and shocking is that very few of our family members and friends would stand beside us during hardships and endeavour to genuinely offer the needed help. Those who have already walked through these rocky life paths and adversities definitely know very well the bitter taste of disappointment. They know exactly the real meaning of the well-know saying, "a friend in need is a friend indeed".
Sadly our weak human nature is driven by inborn instincts that often make us side with the rich, powerful, healthy and strong over the poor, weak, needy and sick. Those who have no faith in Almighty God find it very difficult to cope in a real mess.

Meanwhile, those whose faith is solid stand up with courage, refuse to give up hope, and call on their Almighty Father for help through praying and worshiping. They know for sure that our Great Father is loving and passionate. He will not abandon any one of us when calling on Him for mercy and help because He said and promised so. Matthew 11/28-30: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

One might ask, 'Why should I pray?' And, 'Do I have to ask God for help; can't He help me without praying to Him?'  The answer is 'no'. We need to pray and when we do so with faith and confidence God listens and responds (Mark 11/:24): "Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them"

Yes, we have to make the effort and be adamant and persistent. We have to ask and knock in a bid to show our mere submission to Him and He with no doubt shall provide. (Matthew 7/7 & 8): "Ask and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened".

On this second Sunday of Lent in our Catholic Church's Eastern Maronite rite, we cite and recall the miraculous cure of the bleeding woman in Matthew 9/20-22, Mark 5/25-34, and Luke 8/43-48. As we learn from the Holy Gospel, the bleeding woman's great faith made her believe without a shred of doubt that her twelve years of chronic bleeding would stop immediately if she touched Jesus' garment. She knew deeply in her heart that Jesus would cure her even without asking him. Her faith cured the bleeding and made her well. Her prayers were heard and responded to.

Luke 8/:43-49: "A woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living on physicians, and could not be healed by any, came behind him (Jesus), and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately the flow of her blood stopped. Jesus said, “Who touched me?”  When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 8:46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch me, for I perceived that power has gone out of me.” When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. He said to her, “Daughter, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” 

The woman's faith cured her chronic bleeding and put her back in the society as a normal and acceptable citizen. During that era women with uterus bleeding were looked upon as sinners, defiled and totally banned from entering synagogues for praying. Meanwhile, because of her sickness she was physically unable to be a mother and bear children. Sadly she was socially and religiously abandoned, humiliated and alienated. But her faith and hope empowered her with the needed strength and perseverance and enabled her to cope successfully against all odds.

Hallelujah! Faith can do miracles. Yes indeed. (Luke17/5 & 6): " The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you". How badly do we today need to have a faith like that of this women?

Let us all on this second Lent Sunday pray with solid faith.
Let us ask Almighty God who cured the bleeding women, and who was crucified on the cross to absolve our original sin, that He would endow His Holy graces of peace, tranquility, and love all over the world. And that He would strengthen the faith, patience and hope of all those persecuted, imprisoned, and deprived for courageously witnessing the Gospel's message and truth.
*Elias Bejjani
*Canadian-Lebanese Human Rights activist, journalist and political commentator
*Email phoenicia@hotmail.com
*Web sites http://www.10452lccc.com & http://www.clhrf.com
*Mailing phoenicia group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Phoenicia/.
 

بيان حكومة الرئيس سلام خضوع وخنوع كاملين لاحتلال حزب الله للبنان

بقلم/الياس بجاني

المثل القائل، "تمخض الجبل فولد فائراً"، ينطبق بالكامل على الفقرة الهجينة والحربائية التي اقرها مجلس الوزراء اللبناني مساء ليل الجمعة الماضي في قصر بعبدا وهي: "واستنادا إلى مسؤولية الدولة في المحافظة على سيادة لبنان واستقلاله ووحدة أراضيه وسلامة أبنائه، تؤكّد الحكومة على واجب الدولة وسعيها لتحرير مزارع شبعا وتلال كفرشوبا والجزء اللبناني من قرية الغجر بشتّى الوسائل المشروعة مع التأكيد على الحق للمواطنين اللبنانيين في المقاومة للاحتلال الإسرائيلي ورد اعتداءاته واسترجاع الأراضي المحتلة".

نسأل هل هذا المولود العجمي الهوى والنوى والعجيب والغريب والمخالف للدستور اللبناني يلغي ثلاثية "الجيش والشعب والمقاومة" التي كان يدور الجدل البيزنطي حولها، والتي كانت تشرعن احتلال حزب الله وإيران وسوريا للبنان، أم أنه يتخطاها بكثير ويزيد عليها هرطقة وتعدياً على القوانين والشُرَّع، ويستغبي ذكاء اللبنانيين، ويناقض كل مبادئ ومفاهيم سيادة الدولة على أرضها وشعبها وقرار الحرب والسلم؟

في ثلاثية النفاق والاحتيال كانت السلطة موزعة نظرياً على ثلاثة، أما في المولود الجديد العاق والمعاق فالسلطة توزعت اعتباطاً ودون روادع أو قواعد ومعايير على كل لبناني يريد مقاومة الاحتلال الإسرائيلي، علماً أن لا أراضي لبنانية تحتلها إسرائيل طبقاً لقرارات الأمم المتحدة، وعملاً بالخط الأزرق الدولي الذي يفصل بين لبنان وإسرائيل، وهو ترسيم أنجزته الأمم المتحدة ومعترف به لبنانياً وإسرائيلياً ودولياً.

أما مزارع شبعا (ومعها معظم تلال كفرشوبا) فهي في المفهوم الدولي ارض سورية ومن ضمن هضبة الجولان السورية التي احتلتها إسرائيل عام 1967، وذلك طبقاً لرزم من القرارات الدولية في مقدمها القرارين

رقم 242 (صادر بتاريخ 22/11/67) و 338 (صادر 22/10/73).

http://www.clhrf.com/unresagreements/338and242arabic.htm

وأما ما سمي بالجزء اللبناني من قرية الغجر فأهله سوريون وعلويون ويرفضون الانضمام إلى لبنان منذ العام 1967.

إن الخطير في المولود العجمي هذا (البيان الوزاري) أنه يلغي كل ما هو دولة لبنانية ويعطي الشرعية لأي فرد أو مجموعة تقرر أنها تقوم برد ما تراه اعتداءً إسرائيلياً على لبنان من مثل الماء والغاز والبترول والأجواء والأراضي والخ.

من هنا ولأن لا أراضي لبنانية محتلة من قبل إسرائيل بالمفهوم الدولي، ولأن نص البيان الوزاري يلغي كل سلطات الدولة على أرضها وشعبها، فهذا المولود العجمي هو أخطر بكثير من ثلاثية النفاق.

والأخطر في الأمر أن البيان حصر المقاومة في وجه الاحتلال الإسرائيلي، وبالتالي منع على اللبنانيين مقاومة الاحتلالين السوري والإيراني المجسدين بجيش حزب الله الذي يحتل لبنان، مما يعني ببساطة أنه شرعن هذا الاحتلال وحرّم مقاومته.

يبقى أن هذا البيان هو هرطقة قانونية ودستورية كونه يشرعن الاحتلال الإيراني للبنان ويخالف كل بنود الدستور اللبناني، كما أنه يناقض كل القرارات الدولية المتعلقة بلبنان، وأيضاً هو مخالف لكافة القرارات الدولية التي صدرت عقب الحروب العربية الإسرائيلية وتحديداً حربي 76 و73.

في الخلاصة هذا فرمان عجمي وليس بياناً وزارياً، وبالتالي نائب لبناني يعطي الحكومة الثقة على أساسة هو شريك للمحتل وأداة في يده، ونقطة على السطر.

الكاتب معلق سياسي وناشط لبناني اغترابي

عنوان الكاتب الالكتروني

phoenicia@hotmail.com

تورنتو/كندا في 16 آذار/14

Savage, Barbaric and murderers are those who do not honor childhood and kidnap children

Elias Bejjani/07.03.14/With the harshest terms we strongly condemn the barbaric kidnapping of Michael Ibrahim Saqr, the nine years old boy, son of businessman Ibrahim Al Saqr in the Eastern City of Zahle in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley. We call on the Lebanese officials to fully assume their obligations and utilize with no hesitation all available means and resources in a bid to safely free and return the kidnapped child to his family and arrest the kidnappers who ever they are and no matter who protects them .

Meanwhile the occupational on going status that Hezbollah and the Iranian-Syrian Axis Of Evil are imposing by force and terrorism on Lebanon and the Lebanese people must be ended. 

The Lebanese official authorities are required to take full control all over the country in accordance with  law and justice.

Our genuine prayers goes for the safety of the kidnapped child, with our sincere sympathy and empathy for his family.

May Almighty God give Al Saqr family all the faith, hope and patience needed to help them deal with their painful and unfortunate dilemma.

Background

Son of Businessman Ibrahim Al-Saqr, 10, Kidnapped in Zahle

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/121595-son-of-businessman-10-kidnapped-in-zahle
Naharnet Newsdesk 07 March 2014/The 10-year-old son of a businessman was abducted at gunpoint on Friday in the eastern city of Zahle, the state-run National News Agency reported. According to NNA, Michel al-Saqr was heading to school with the family's driver when four masked gunmen in a Grand Cherokee SUV kidnapped him. The Grand Cherokee intercepted al-Saqr's Kia vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver before driving off with Michel. Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) reported that the father was informed that he might be the victim of an abduction ordeal. The reasons behind the abduction remain unclear. Several residents blocked the Zahle highway to protest the abduction of Michel. Judge Farid Kallas issued a search warrant for the kidnappers of the boy after inspecting the site of the incident. The abduction is suspected to be kidnap-for-ransom.
Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq tasked security agencies to take all the necessary measures to release Michel. The minister called for a security meeting to address the kidnapping phenomenon in the country.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi later condemned Michel's kidnapping, demanding that he be released immediately “for the sake of his childhood and parents.” “Such crimes violate people's dignity that is granted to them by God,” he remarked in a statement. Moreover, he deemed the kidnapping phenomenon as “alien” to Lebanon and its traditions, because it tarnishes its image and threatens its security and stability. The patriarch urged President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, the Army Command, and all security agencies to take the necessary measures to prevent future abductions and lift political cover off the perpetrators. On Thursday, Antoine Daher al-Kaadi was kidnapped by masked gunmen on the Ablah road in the Bekaa and was released later during the day in unknown circumstances. The kidnap-for-ransom phenomenon increased last year and has been strongly criticized by officials from across the political spectrum. Lebanon had also witnessed a wave of sectarian abductions caused by the war in Syria have also taken place.

Elias Bejjani
Canadian-Lebanese Human Rights activist, journalist and political commentator
Email phoenicia@hotmail.com
Web sites http://www.10452lccc.com & http://www.clhrf.com
Face Book https://www.facebook.com/elias.y.bejjani
Twitter Elias Bejjani@phoeniciaelias

 

خطف ابن ابراهيم الصقر، الطفل ميشال، هو خطف لكل اطفال لبنان

الياس بجاني/07 آذار/14/إن أي بلد لا يحترم ويقدس الطفولة هو بلد همجي وبربري، كما أن أي جماعة تحتقر الطفولة وتتاجر بها هي جماعة لا تستحق الحياة. من هنا فإن خطف ابن إبراهيم الصقر اليوم، الطفل ميشال ابن ال 9 سنوات في زحلة هو عمل إبليسي وهمجي ومن قاموا به يعيشون خارج أطر المفاهيم والأخلاق والأحاسيس الإنسانية ومن نتاج ثقافة الموت والفوضى وشرعة الغاب التي يزرعها ويعمها وينشرها ويرعاها حزب الله في لبنان. إن كلمات وبيانات الاستنكار لا قيمة لها لأن المطلوب من قوى الدولة تحمل مسؤولياتها والعمل الجدي والفاعل والسريع على استعادة الطفل سالماً إلى أهله وإنهاء دويلات ومربعات محور الشر السوري الإيراني وبسط سلطة الدولة وحدها وبقواها الشرعية على كامل التراب اللبناني. كما أن المطلوب اعتقال كل من يقوم بمخالفة قوانين لبنان ومنهم عصابات الخطف وإنزال اشد العقوبات بهم وبمن يحميهم. إن خطف الطفل ميشال الصقر هو خطف لكل أطفال لبنان وللقانون وللدولة والإنسانية. لنصلي من أجل عودة ميشال إلى أهله سالماً ومن أجل عودة لبنان إلى أهلة ومن أجل تحرير لبنان من احتلال محور الشر البربري والهمجي.

تفاصيل خطف الطفل ميشال ابن رجل الاعمال ابراهيم الصقر

وكالات/07 آذار/14/ تعرّض الطفل ميشال الصقر (9 سنوات) ابن رجل الأعمال ابراهيم الصقر ، للخطف من أمام منزله في سهل زحلة أثناء توجهه إلى المدرسة. وفي التفاصيل، أقدمت سيارة من نوع "غراند شيروكي" ذهبية على اعتراض سيارة "كيا" بيكانتو كان بداخلها ميشال ابراهيم الصقر برفقة شقيقته في طريقهما إلى المدرسة في منطقة الغيضة. وترجل منها أربعة أشخاص مقنعين ومسلحين، شهروا السلاح في وجه السائق وأقدموا على خطف ميشال وفروا به إلى جهة مجهولة". وأشارت صحيفة "النهار" إلى أن سيارة هوندا قامت بصدم سيارة ميشال ما اضطر سائقها للتوقف ليعترضهم جيب الشيروكي الذي يستقله 3 مسلحين، قام أحدهم بضرب السائق على رأسه بمسدس وخطفوا الولد امام شقيقتيه. تاركين سيارة الهوندا. وكانت سيارة الهوندا التي استقلها خاطفو الصقر، سُرقت منذ يومين من سن الفيل وهي تعود للقمان زيدان. وتجدر الاشارة الى أن الطفل ميشال يحمل الجنسية الأميركية ما استدعى تحرك السفارة الأميركية لمتابعة الموضوع. وفي وقت لاحق وصل المدعي العام في البقاع القاضي فريد كلاس الذي عاين مكان خطف الطفل وسطر مذكرة بحث وتحر في حق الفاعلين. يُشار إلى أن الصقر كان تلقى تحذيرات من احتمال تعرضه لقضية خطف قبل أيام، وفق ما أفادت إذاعة "صوت لبنان" (100.5).

الراعي صامت، والمظلوم بلع لسانه، والدفاع عن سليمان موجة ومارقة

بقلم/الياس بجاني

المطران سمير مظلوم لـ”السياسة”: لا رأي للراعي في هجوم “حزب الله” على سليمان

(السياسة الكويتية/4 آذار/14/لفت المطران سمير مظلوم في حديث لصحيفة “السياسة” الكويتية إن “البطريرك بشارة الراعي ليس عنده رأي في موضوع هجوم “حزب الله” على رئيس الجمهورية ميشال سليمان”.وأضاف مظلوم إن “هذه القضايا لا تعالج في الإعلام ولا بهكذا أساليب”، مؤكداً أن “بكركي تحرص على وحدة الدولة ووحدة كل اللبنانيين وتسعى إلى تقاربهم على كل الأصعدة” ومشدداً على أن “الحكومة يجب أن تحصل على ثقة المجلس حتى تؤمن الاستحقاق الرئاسي”.)

يا فرحتنا ويا سعدنا نحن الموارنة ورثة كل حضارات الدنيا من فينيقية وآرامية وسريانية وغيرها الكثير، فها هو بطريركنا ال 77 المتربع على كرسي صرحنا البطريركي الذي أعطي له مجد لبنان، غبطة سيدنا بشارة الراعي، صامت في وجه هجمة حزب الله على الموقع الماروني الأول في الدولة، الرئيس ميشال سليمان، في حين أن مطرانه المفوه المظلوم والظالم للموارنة ولكل لبنان وللحقيقة ينأى بنفسه عن حملات الحزب العالية النبرة وذلك عملاً بسياسة حكومة الميقاتي المنتقلة إلى رحمته تعالى دون أسف عليها بقمصانها السود وبعدنانها غير المنصور.

أما أصحاب القلانس من المحيطين بالراعي فإن أولوياتهم على بدا ويبدو باستمرار هي في أماكن أخرى. دخلكون وينو المطران "الحربجي" ايلي النصار وأين غيرته ع الموارنة والدين والقوات!! ترى هل تغيرت أولوياته؟؟

غريب ومحير هو أمر قادتنا وأحبارنا ورعاتنا والطاقم السياسي المبتلين بهم رغماً عن أنوفنا، فهؤلاء جميعاً لهم أولوياتهم الغريبة والمغربة عن الناس وعن همومهم وأوجاعهم ولقمة عيشهم وأمنهم، وكل يوم يمر نتأكد بالمحسوس والملموس أنهم ليسوا منا.

"خرجوا من بيننا وما كانوا منا، فلو كانوا منا لبقوا معنا. ولكنهم خرجوا ليتضح أنهم ما كانوا كلهم منا" (01يوحنا/2/19)

أما جوقة المدافعين بشراسة عن الرئيس سليمان في وجه هجمة حزب السلاح الإيراني (ووقاحة ابراهيمه غير الأمين بجريدة أخبار محور الشر)، حزب الغزوات والإرهاب وحديثاً حزب المطارات، فهؤلاء بأغلبيتهم قوس قزحيين بتلوناتهم وهم حقيقة لا يدافعون عن الرئيس وإنما يماشون الماشي ويركبون الأمواج.

والماشي حالياً ولحين لن يطول هي موضة مهاجمة حزب الله.

باختصار، يعني المسألة مسألة موضة وسوف يغيرونها عندما تتغير الموضة.

وفي سياق جداً متصل وفي قراءة قد تكون خيالية وجيمس بوندية في خفايا ودهاليز وجحور وأسرار حملة حزب الله الإعلامية المفاجئة والمسعورة على الرئيس سليمان، وفي التحليل وليس في المعطيات نرى أن في الأمر إن كبيرة، وكبيرة جداً.

فوسط كل ضجيج أصوات طبول الحرب الإعلامية المسعورة التي يشنها حزب الله على الرئيس ميشال سليمان مع كامل عدته وعديده من المستكتبين والمرتزقة والطبول والصنوج والقداحين والمداحين وفي مقدمهم ابراهيمه غير الأمين وأخباره الشؤم، وفي خضم هجمة جوقة المدافعين عن الرئيس بشراسة غير مسبوقة، هناك سؤال يطرح نفسه بقوة وربما بجنون ثقافة المؤامرة، وعلى خلفية بحت تحليلية وافتراضية،

السؤال هو: ترى هل الحملة تهدف لتجميل الرئيس سليمان الذي لم يعادي حزب الله ومحوره في أي يوم من الأيام، لتجميله مسيحياً وعربياُ وتهيئته للتجديد أو للتمديد؟

مجرد سؤال افتراضي وتخميني مبني على الشك لأنه وفي نفس اليوم الذي صعد الحزب ببيانه إياه الذهبي والخشبي والجارح كان الرئيس سليمان يستقبل في القصر الجمهوري السيد نصري خوري، وما أدراك من هو هذا الخوري القومي والسوري والمتربع على عرش المجلس اللبناني السوري الأعلى رغم عدم وجود لا عرش ولا مجلس!!

على كل حال لا شيء يبقى مكتوماً إلى ما لا نهاية: "لا تخافوهم. فما من مستور إلا سينكشف، ولا من خفي إلا سيظهر (متى10/26).

مجرد سؤال ليس بالطبع بريئاً!! فهل من جواب؟... وسامحونا

الكاتب معلق سياسي وناشط لبناني اغترابي

عنوان الكاتب الالكتروني

phoenicia@hotmail.com

تورنتو/كندا في 5 آذار/14