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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May there be peace within her walls and safety within her strong towers.” (Psalm 122:6-7)
Wailing Wall in Jerusalem
The historical cry is a symbol of hope and its
certainty - The wailing wall (The western wall).
Prayers with tears can never be fruitless. There is no other historical remnant
in the world as the Wailing Wall. The Jews grieve upon visiting the Western Wall
and seeing the desolate site of the temple. It’s the remnant of the first
century retaining wall of the temple in Jerusalem. Measuring some 160 feet long
and 60 feet high, it forms part of a larger retaining wall of the temple mount
at the top, which now seats the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa mosque.
For nearly 2000 years since the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, the Western
Wall has been the focal point for prayer of Jews in Israel and throughout the
world. Even inducting new soldiers in the Israel Defense Force is done in front
of the wailing wall with the prayer of hope,” Peace in Jerusalem” and that is
the reason for the unity and glorious existence of Israel as a nation in the
midst of destructive enemies. Israel, as a nation in 1948, is the fulfillment of
2000 years long waiting of the Jews by crying and beating their heads with hope
in front of the wailing wall.
This story is about Napoleon. As Napoleon passed by a synagogue (Prayer hall of
Jews), he heard the sound of people weeping inside. So he turned to his
assistant and asked, “What is going on with the Jews?"
“Today is Tisha B’Av,” came the reply “and the Jews are mourning the loss of
their temple.”
Napoleon looked at the synagogue and said, “If the Jews are still crying after
1800 years, then I’m certain the temple will one day be rebuilt.”
In 1967, the Jews got control of Jerusalem including the temple mount with the
wailing wall. Still, the wailing wall stands as the symbol of hope, eternity,
shared destiny, sadness, broken heart, unity, peace, creation, final joy and the
fulfillment of prayer.
“For you have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy” (Psalm
61:3).
Look on Jesus and pour out your tears in front of him with hope for the
salvation and happiness of your neighbors and for our unfulfilled hopes and
aspirations.
Jesus, let you be our hope. We come to you in prayer with tears and hope. Let our unfulfilled aspirations be fulfilled as thy will. Don’t leave us like a forsaken desolate desert. We are saved and healed because of all the sufferings you underwent for our sake. We pray for all those who are waiting with perseverance for your presence. We pray for the Jews. All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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