Week 3 - Interreligious Engagement - An Act of Humility

 

During a religious conference I attended back in May, a cleric responded to questions from attendees composed of diverse consecrated persons regarding the mission of religious life in today’s challenging world. He reminded us that we have been chosen to live and bear witness in today’s world and should keep in mind: how can we avoid falling into others’ blind spots, and how can we prevent others from putting us in theirs?

Centro Pro Unione Class

 

I think there is a little element of self-preservation in this approach, as if religious life is an end in itself and its visibility needs to be preserved. I think, as Christians and not only religious, a better answer should be oriented toward mission - not only to engage in dialogue but also to promote justice, peace, moral values, cultural goods, and the common good as we learnt in class and affirmed in Nostra Aetate. This extends our relationships to all religions.

 

Away from religiosity or any particular religious life, I think this is meaningful from an interreligious perspective: to be an engaging Christian in the world, eager to let our faith be known by our examples as witnesses of the life of the Gospel. This echoes the document Fratelli Tutti, "an invitation to dialogue among all people of good will regardless of their religious convictions” where love and compassion is not limited to Christians. Similarly, this is beautifully recounted by the parable of the good Samaritan. The parable teaches us that the reign of God is present whenever there is mercy and compassion; it even transcends social and religious boundaries. Yes, that stranger in the road, in the eyes of God is not limited to Christianity or any other religion. He is a creature of God in need of assistance. God is waiting for us to answer. But how can we answer if we are blinded and insensible to that reality?  This is why such teachings of this parable exemplifies the need to perceive reality through the lens of God. Let us not see people as categories such as someone out of our kind, an enemy, a foe, an outsider. But as a person deserving love. This class has helped me to see beyond such boundaries and to interpret my experiences, choices, and relationships in the horizon of God’s Reign of compassion and justice. Such a parable affirms correctly what Hollander lectured on the need of exercising the virtues of humility; commitment; interconnection; empathy; hospitality.

 

Great Synagogue of Rome

I also find a Christian base theology of religions a bit too exclusive, in my opinion, when dialoguing with the three great Abrahamic religions. If we think in such a Christian perspective, then we should also acknowledge the failures of the past. For example, if we guide ourselves to a sole Christian perspective we should acknowledge our wrongdoings knowing that the church supported oppressive policies towards the Jews at some time, including the establishment of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, forcing baptism, false blood libel accusations, the burning of the Talmud, requirements to use distinctive marks to identity Jews outside the ghetto and forcing them to attend Christian sermons or limiting their careers or professions.

 

Portico of Octavia

Another form of Christian arrogance is the theological appropriation of the First Testament (what we call the Old Testament), claiming that it exists merely to prepare for the coming of Christ. Moreover, there is a similar idea of supersessionism whereby God's covenant with Israel has been supplanted by the New Covenant in Christ. Vatican II, through Lumen Gentium and Nostra Aetate, showed humility by acknowledging God's gifts to the Jewish people remembering that this all "sprang from the Jewish people" and expressing esteem for the Abrahamic traditions - helping to reduce anti-Jewish prejudice. This is also true in our relationship with Muslims, where the Church now acknowledges some painful aspects of its history.

 

Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy and
Grand Mosque of Rome

Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy and
Grand Mosque of Rome

This act of humility reminds me when the disciples tried to stop someone from performing miracles in Jesus' name. Jesus corrected them, teaching them to be humble and to change their perspective, knowing that the Spirit operates beyond our notions of boundaries and calls us to collaborate with others.

Roman mythology, the facade depicts a She-wolf who nursed and sheltered

the twins Romulus and Remus

after they were abandoned 

in the wild - Symbol of Rome

Via San Pio X, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Near Circo Massimo Station