Ode to Joy
Sometimes it is
so very good, just to be alive. Last Sunday was one of those times. It was our Chanukah service – the mid-point in what an accident of the calendar
has turned into an Abrahamic triad of services: honoring Islam and Hajj two weeks before, Judaism and Chanukah last Sunday,
and Christianity and Christmas a week from Sunday.
Our guest Mohammad Fani
spoke eloquently about Islam and Hajj. Our guest Shirin Venus spoke eloquently
about the Baha’i faith as a part of our Chanukah service, as we recognized that the right to pray as we are called is still
under threat more than two thousand years after the first Chanukah. I spoke about
the history of Chanukah itself, as well as calling for a Universal Chanukah. And
I look forward to Rev. Dick Gibson sharing his thoughts about the what the birth of the Christ means to a Christian, as well
as hearing a reading from the Qur’an that celebrates the birth of Jesus, as well as a discussion of the universal aspiration
of Peace on Earth as we honor Christmas.
This is what Interfaith
is about. This is what Interfaith can offer.
Our little congregation holds, and comfortably so, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Humanists, Buddhists, Baha’i and other
seekers. We share. We listen. We celebrate our common humanity as well as the wonderful diversity that forms our
varying spiritual paths.
We have grand discussions
over our potlucks. And no one, no one has tried to convert or convince another. We celebrate
together and we celebrate each other. And it fills my heart to bursting.
It can be done! People of differing spiritual paths can come together, share with each other, listen
to each other, grow with each other without fear, as we all seek to make the world the better place that all of our spiritual paths have asked of us.
Interfaith has moved out
of the realm of theory. It is being practiced.
We come together in spiritual communion twice a month. And none of us
has to leave who we are at the door. Astounding!
And beautiful. And I am so very grateful.
