In this Sunday’s second reading, Saint Paul speaks of how resurrection came into the world through Christ to counteract the effect of the death that came through Adam. Death came to east Palestine Tuesday when two Palestinian cousins wielding a gun and butcher knives attacked a synagogue during morning prayers, killing four worshipers and a police officer and wounding several others.
The terror attack—the deadliest in Jerusalem since 2008—came at a particularly tense time in the region. It follows recent deadly stabbings and vehicle attacks that, while not the same as the large-scale suicide bombings that defined last decade's second intifada, have left Jerusalem on edge.

Streets are subdued, marketplaces are quiet, and people are on edge in Jewish areas of Jerusalem. The holy city, which Israel says must forever stay united, has rarely seemed more divided. In their 47th year of occupation, Palestinians are seething with anger over neglect and discrimination, continued Jewish settlement in their areas, and a belief, despite official denials, that Israel is scheming to take over their most revered site.

This anger, coupled with Jewish fears of further violence, has left the city's 800,000 residents apprehensive, seemingly united in the belief that things will get worse before they get better. "I'm really not safe, and before leaving the house I think twice," said Sara Levi, a 22-year-old stay-at-home mother. "We are not calm, and we hope there is going to be an end to this, and that it is not just a beginning."

At the heart of the present unrest is the holy site in the Old City of Jerusalem, known as the Temple Mount by Jews and Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) by Muslims. Pope Francis condemned the attack and said he's praying for the region. "From the bottom of my heart, I appeal to all the parties involved to put an end to the spiral of hatred and violence, and to take courageous decisions for reconciliation and peace," the pope said. "To build peace is difficult but to live without it is torment."

Homily hint: Pope Francis offered both comfort and a challenge to the people of Jerusalem—and to all of us. Peacemaking is indeed difficult for nations, and peacemaking is difficult for individuals, couples, and families as well. Wherever you find strife and division, be a source of healing and uniting.

Source: An article by Chelsea J. Carter, Jethro Mullen, and Ben Wedeman for CNN