The devotions and traditions of Lent present opportunities for reflection on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for us and our response. It is a time for somber contemplation and repentance as we humbly recognize our sins and failures. We focus on the need for God’s grace as we seek to respond anew to God’s presence in our lives and in the world.

For advocates of Middle East peacemaking, the current events that accompany this year’s Lenten season exude danger and despair, even as the scene on the world’s diplomatic stage signal some positive forward movement.

The reflections in this resource, “The Road to Reconciliation” — including one for Forgiveness Vespers and Clean Monday, the beginning of Lent for Orthodox Christians — lift up the critical need for Middle East peacemaking. We are challenged to seize the openings for reconciliation and to recommit ourselves to vital activities that make for peace.

Let us take this Lenten journey together knowing that we seek and struggle in partnership and community toward peace with justice in the Holy Land.

Many thanks to the writers for their contributions and support of this project.

Anna Rhee

Grassroots Coordinator

Click here to download "The Road to Reconciliation" (PDF)