The Quiet Witness

On March 26, 2000, a much overlooked
Historical event took place.
Pope John Paul II touched the Wailing Wall,
And left a prayer for God's forgiving grace.

"God of our Fathers, you chose Abraham and
His descendants to bring your name to the nations,"
Began the Pope's prayer.
"We are deeply saddened by the behaviour of those...
Which have caused these children of yours to suffer,"
He continued, expressing his own soul's renewed care!

"Asking Your forgivness, we wish to commit ourselves,
To genuine brotherhood with the people of the covenant,"
Pope John Paul II quietly spoke.
"I am a Jew -- I wish I had been a Christian..."
An unseen watching man later wrote.

Like the unseen watching man, let us all rejoice
Over the Pope's reconciled embrace.
Despite the stark realities of the Holy Land today,
With renewed faith and hope, may we always treasure,
This holy man's extended common thread of forgiving grace.


Special Note: This poem was inspired by Bill Blakemore's
article--The Pope In Jerusalem: At The Western Wall. If
you would like to read the full inspiring story, it can be
found at http://www.praiseofglory.com/popejerusalem.htm