|
Emphasizing love, improvement and respect for others |
|
|
|
By The Rev. Connie Regener, IFN Columnist
|
|
Wednesday, 03 June 2009 |
Everyone seems to be
following the leading economic indicators, trying to predict what kind
of an economy will evolve. In the same way, I follow the leading
spiritual indicators, trying to understand how spirituality is evolving
and shaping our future.
“What kind of stimulus package will jump start the path to interfaith peace and understanding,” I ask. Here are some interesting considerations, none of which I could have predicted in my lifetime:
• The Catholic Pope spoke of harmony and unity between Muslims and Christians in the largest mosque in Jordan.
• President Obama is scheduled for a significant speech in Cairo, after announcing that the U.S. will never be at war with Islam.
• For the first time, the word “Muslim” was mentioned in a presidential inaugural address.
These events are happening on the world stage, but what about locally?
I recently attended the annual prayer breakfast of the South Orange County Interfaith Council at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. The theme of the breakfast was “A Time of Need, a Time to Serve” — one appropriate for all people of faith. In keeping with that theme, Shaikh Yassir Fazaga of the Orange County Islamic Foundation and a member of the IFN Religious Advisory Board led the faith readings with a beautiful passage from the Qur’an mentioning the compassion of Allah for all people on earth.
The featured speaker, Ambassador Gaddi H. Vasquez, represents the United States at the United Nations Organizations in Rome and previously served as the director of the United States Peace Corps.
Under that directorship, the Corps achieved its highest enrollment of volunteers and the initiation of the Peace Corps Global AIDS program. As he spoke, his enthusiasm for improving the lives of others was contagious. As I scanned the room, I saw people nodding and taking in what he was saying.
We can and must address issues of poverty, injustice and suffering. As an expression of the council’s commitment to do just that, the flower centerpieces at each table were eliminated and replaced with a basket filled with food staples donated by the attendees.
Others are trying to make a difference according to their own gifts and calling. I was surprised to catch an episode of Rick Steve’s PBS travel program featuring a visit to Iran. He admitted at the beginning of the segment that he approached the trip with fear — which many Americans would have identified with.
As he opened himself up to discovery and new cultural experiences, the fear melted away as understanding developed. I was mesmerized by the beauty of Esfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis, cities previously unknown to me.
Another delightful experience was when my husband surprised me with the No. 1 best-selling DVD “Playing for Change: Songs Around the World.” My favorite is “Stand by Me,” speaking of the universal need for connection and support from others. This one track features more than 35 musicians from around the world. I don’t have words to describe what this collaboration does for me. As the cover states, “The music does the talking.”
There is a profound quote from Mark Johnson on the inside cover: “As a human race, we come together for birth, we come together for death. What brings us together in between is up to us. Stop and listen to the universal language of music and bring that positive energy with you everywhere you go.”
Every once in a while, I get a glimpse of how this world could be a better place. Working in openness and humility, “yes we can.” And that’s where I see that the cross meets the crescent.
IFN columnist The Rev. Connie Regener, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and chaplain at Orange Coast memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, is a religious commentator in the Southland.
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 November 2009 )
|
