Religious Artifacts from the Holy Land
Last Sunday Christians from Israel were at my parish, they had set up a sale of religious artifacts from Israel that they’d brought with them. Initially I thought it was really cool, I considered buying some things.
They got up in front of the congregation and gave what felt like a guilt trip speech on how we need to support the Christians in Israel.
Following Mass I’m looking at these beautiful artifacts that they brought, the prices were astounding.
$2,000 wood crosses, $6,000 small wood nativity scenes, $800 small wood statues of Mary, gold and silver icons for $800.
I’ve never been to Israel, maybe these were normal prices but I thought they were insane prices.
As people were browsing they’re walking around reminding us to buy stuff because the Christians in Israel really need our support.
The entire thing felt like a guilt trip driven extortion. Am I wrong in this feeling or assessment? I’m honestly surprised that our priests would allow people to come and try to guilt the congregation into buying $6,000 wood nativity scenes and $2,000 wood crosses.