The Esau syndrome

A new species of SARS virus is hitting the Middle-East originating from a japanese bat that spreads through camels, sheep and goats and onto humans. http://thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=131322&sid=39037980&con_type=1

And a very sad story of an Israeli child suffering from leukemia, gets "abandoned" in a Thai Buddhist monastery for over a year by his family. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=304078

Jitters and cynicism when a political party leader known to oppose the incumbant govt, suddenly turns 180 degrees and joins in the coalition of a new govt. Politicians sell out their agenda, promises and principles made during election-time, for the sake of getting a seat in the Knesset. A story of political betrayal of the public for personal power - the story of Esau all over again ... selling his birthright for the sake of a bowl of porridge http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/israelis-beware-coalition-deals-may-turn-election-promises-into-horsemeat.premium-1.504950

Midnight processions and prayers
at the Holy Sepulchre during Lent

As bad news seem to get worse, we naturally turn to the comfort, security and stability of religion. Last night I was at the Holy Sepulchre from 3am to 5am. It was very very empty ... no one except Andrew our sacristan, Arkadeusz who celebrated Mass in the Tomb and myself. Not an orthodox in sight. Not a police in sight. Not a tourist in sight. It was amazing. This is so different from the weekend when the Lenten rigours step up in tempo ... with prayers and processions going way into 2am. Thank goodness Jesus didn't sell his birthright as the Only Son ... unlike Esau.