From 20-21 September, the Comboni Missionary Sisters, in their monastery in Jerusalem, organised a seminar entitled ‘A feast for all’, adapted from Jesus Christ's parable about the king celebrating the marriage of his son. The seminar was inspired by Pope Francis' message on the occasion of World Mission Day 2024. The seminar was attended by Father Bernard Poggi, rector of Beit Jala Seminary, Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Israel, and Dr. Minerva Jaraysah, professor at Bethlehem University. The first talk of the seminar was given by Father Poggi, who spoke about the mission of the church as the host of the banquet. He said that the church does not invite people based on their response or acceptance of the invitation. Rather, it is based on the conviction to execute the commands of the divine king and is the servant who invites people to a wedding. As for the arguments of those who refuse, he said: Fr Bernard Poggi Rector of Beit Jala Seminary Usually those who reject the call think that what they do is more important than what God wants for them, or that their plans for themselves are better than what God has for them. And this is far from the truth, for there is no greater dream about us than the dream our Lord has for us. In his speech on the mission of the Church in the Holy Land, Bishop Rafik Nahra explained that the Old Testament shows that God prepared a feast not just for one people, but for all peoples. The mission in the Holy Land is twofold: on the one hand it is to care for local Christians, and on the other hand it is to care for Christians who come from outside to visit the land of God's revelation. Mgr Rafiq Nahra Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Israel When Pope Francis asks us to invite everyone, he is asking us to be open to everyone. To be an apostle means to live the Gospel in a way that shows others the face of God, not a face that condemns others, but a face that offers opportunities to love others and draw closer to God. His Excellency spoke of the challenges facing the Church in the Holy Land in the current situation. He explained that the words reconciliation and dialogue are words so foreign to our experience in the Holy Land that they are almost taboo for all parties involved. Fr Bernard Poggi Rector of Beit Jala Seminary We live in difficult times in our nation because of war and uncertainty, but we see that God has a message that reaches out to touch every aspect of our lives. In her speech, Dr Jaraysah said that hope, reconciliation and compassion are tools for dealing with uncertainty, and all these qualities stem from faith. She spoke of the distinguished guests at the banquet who were in a state of uncertainty. Dr Minerva Jaraysah Professor at Bethlehem University The notions I mentioned today about compassion, compassionate communication, and reconciliation with others refer to all those who ultimately attend this banquet, those whose faith is strong and worthy of this place. The invitation to the banquet is an invitation repeated from generation to generation, so come to the wedding, come to the banquet of life, love, mercy and reconciliation!!! Read More