Panis Angelicus

Abba John the Dwarf, an ordained monastic priest who lived between 340 and 403, is known today as one of the great desert fathers for his wise teachings.

Once, he said to his brethren who were battling their own demons, “If a king wanted to take possession of his enemy’s city, he would begin by cutting off the water and the food so his enemies, dying of hunger, would submit to him.”

It struck me when I read this that nothing in war has changed. Gaza is one more iteration of the same old war story. Begin by cutting off water and food to start the process of destroying your enemy.

War is primitive. It's a performance of skill, a showcase of weapons, and a celebration of spoils. It always has been. It’s orchestrated not by angels, but by those who refuse to listen to them.

Referring to enemies dying of hunger, John the Dwarf was talking about starving one's personal demons, “If a man goes about fasting and hungry, the enemies of his soul grow weak.” So, for those who wage war and justify it, let’s hope so. Let’s hope they find their angels instead and turn toward peace.

We all need peace during this holiday season, but it’s hard to feel at peace knowing there are so many empty hands digging through rubble, hoping to find a loved one reaching back. To all of them, I dedicate this song.