We had a really cool time of interfaith reflection while i was in Jordan with a group of students, staff, faculty, one vice president and one trustee from Shenandoah University! Thought i'd share:
1.) This time that we share on this trip in the land that many of our traditions call “Holy Land” is, by definition, holy time. Something is “holy” when it is “set apart” or “separate.” We are currently separated from our usual companions and daily routines to be here together.
2.) Each of us is a person of some faith. We heard a lecture this morning in which Dr Malkawi said, “Everyone believes in something.”
Every one of us believes in God. Most of us identify with one of the 3 Abrahamic faiths. As we are learning, these three faiths share core values about loving God and serving one another. In addition, many practices are also shared.
In this holy time, we set ourselves apart from our usual focus on the differences that separate us, and focus instead on the unity of these holy moments together.
3.) In each of our traditions, God created us to be a reflection of God in the world.
We think of the greatness of our Creator and, in a spirit of gratitude, silently offer praise in the words of our traditions or the words of our hearts.
4.) In each of our traditions, God forgives us. God is most gracious and most merciful.
We think of time or times during which we have caused division, interpersonally or among groups of people. Silently, we use the words of our traditions or of our hearts to ask God’s forgiveness.
5.) In each of our traditions, God hears us.
We think of a person, group, or circumstance and silently lift it or them to God, grateful that God hears us.
6.) Each of our traditions hope for, and work to bring about, peace.
We think of places in the world and in our own relationships in which peace is absent.
7.) In the Jewish tradition, a gathering may be ended with a son, “Shalom Chaverim,” or “peace be with you until we meet again.”
8.) In many Christian services, time is given to “Greet each other with signs of peace and reconciliation,” often using the words “peace be with you,” responding with “and also with you.”
9.) In the Islamic tradition, the phrase “As salaamu alekam” or “peace be unto you” is a standard greeting. The response is “Walakam salaam.”
10.) We combine these three traditions. At the end of this reflection (even though we will not leave each other yet), we will use the Arabic words to pass signs of peace and reconciliation to one another. Let’s each greet each other person.
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