Daffey Thoughts
The largest attack against the Christian minority in Egypt for some time has claimed the lives of at least 25 worshipers. None have claimed responsibility. It’s entirely possible, of course, that the attackers are not Muslim. At this point, we don’t know.
But if not, then it would be a radical departure from the plight that Christians face in many areas of the Islamic world. Not all face violence or physical attacks, at least anymore than anyone else in the world. Some merely exist under conditions that make it clear they are at the mercy of a society that sees them as a minority.
Sometimes the problems come in the form of intimidation, or harassment, or unbalanced fees or fines. Sometimes it can be deliberate pressure and tactics used to make the free exercise of their faith difficult. I’ve relayed the story of some in my wife’s Antiochian Orthodox Church who make Palm Sunday, rather than Easter, the big celebration of the year. That’s because in their parts of the Middle East, Muslim authorities purposefully place restrictions making Easter difficult to celebrate.
Therefore, being resourceful, they moved their big day to the Sunday before. Over here, they simply carry on the tradition. It’s like that in other places of course, not just the Middle East. From Indonesia to North Africa, into Nigeria and even Secular Turkey, Christians live daily knowing that everything could change on a dime. And that’s the best of conditions.
In others, as this sad instance suggests, the results can be far deadlier. God bless those who risk their lives to keep the Faith. Grant them peace and protection. Mercy on those who struggle, and forgiveness for those who would attack Christ’s Church. Turn their hearts from evil and hate so that they, too, can enter into that Divine Fellowship. And give strength and grace to those who have died or suffered unimaginable loss. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon them.
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