This is a post without a title, because I don’t know what to say to a world that is busy imploding…
I do believe that the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week has caused a lot of tension, stress and division, and it has put a huge spotlight on how we choose to “see” each other.
So in order to make sense of all this, and as well as to seek a solution in creating a space for dialogue, which will hopefully lead us to a place of understanding each other and seeking reconciliation. I believe that we need to look for solutions on how we change this trajectory by seeking peace.
William Ury an American author, academic, anthropologist and negotiation expert, co-founded Abraham Path, a walking trail and cultural route in the Middle East that retraces the steps of Abraham and his family.
Abraham’s story has inspired many different communities including Muslims, Jews and Christians, to build on the narrative of a shared connection by walking, talking and showing hospitality to strangers.
Now, I am not for one minute suggesting that we walk the actual trail – with a war waging in the Middle East it would be dangerous and impossible to do so.
However, we can start by reaching out to each other, by walking and talking with people from all faiths – right here in our Metro.
All of us need to make a concerted effort to be agents for peace. Let’s start by being curious about each other, by befriending people, asking questions, by sharing a meal or even walking together.
We can create our own Abrahams Path here in our beautiful city.
Imagine if you will that a group of people (mere acquaintances or even strangers) from all walks of life and religious persuasions met at St Peter’s Precinct, just to chat, get to know each other. After discussing and sharing the history of the precinct, we wander over to the Masjid Aziez Mosque in South End, we then proceed to visit different places of worship – St Augustine’s Cathedral, Aulayam Hindu Temple and Temple Israel, all the while talking and getting to know each other. We could end the day off by sharing a simple meal of bread, hummus, olives, pomegranates and watermelon.
Surely, our interactions would foster a spirit of understanding, empathy and kindness.
Ah! I used the world empathy (a noun). I think you get my drift – empathy is not a made-up, new age term that does a lot of damage.
“Empathy is being aware of and sharing another person’s feelings, experiences and emotions…“
I think what I am trying to say is this when the world dishes out hatred, cruelty and prejudice, may we have the courage to push back with love, empathy, all the while engaging with, listening to and learning about each other. To our surprise and delight we will discover that we have so much in common.
Please pray with me this four-fold Benedictine blessing by Sister Marlene Fox
“May the Spirit bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May the Spirit bless you with anger at injustice and oppression, exploitation of people and the earth so that you will work for justice and peace.
May the Spirit bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer, so that you will reach out your hand and comfort them.
May the Spirit bless you with foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do all the things which others say cannot be done”
Please join me in being ridiculously foolish by pursuing love, peace and justice.
