The Ninth Week after Pentecost | August 13, 2019
Nota Bene
Taybeh Peace Candle
There is only one community in the Holy Land that is 100% Christian. It is a Palestinian village with just over 2,000 people. The mayor of Taybeh says that 12,000 former residents descendants of the community live overseas. Christians are fleeing the Holy Land and the ones who remain have a difficult path. Our pilgrimage group visited Taybeh and while at lunch, the patron called our attention to peace candles for sale. Around 20 Palestinians work in the ceramic shop to make these dove candles with the hope that it will promote prayer and prayers for peace. I had seen this candle before! I remember during a residence at Norwich Cathedral watching the children receive this candle from the celebrant during mass as they went off to children's church. It was a part of their regular Sunday worship. I sent a message to Canon Haselock, for the former Vice-Dean of the Cathedral, to check my memory and yes, it was the same candle, bought from the same village. The wick burns from Taybeh olive oil that is not suitable for cooking. Norwich Cathedral was intentional about always buying the replacement oil from the Christians in Taybeh. I am moved to remember persecuted Christians around the world, as we don't remember them enough. Starting this Sunday, after the children's homily, I will give this candle to one of the children to carry to a new corner set aside for remembrance of persecuted Christians. When you see it, say a prayer. Say a prayer for peace.