Rays of light and truth

 

Yesterday evening I was kindly invited to join Muslims at their centre in Kilkenny to share an iftar meal.  The iftar is the meal Muslims share beginning precisely at sunset each day of Ramadan. It was a privilege for me to join the event.

Of course, as a Christian I did not participate in the religious rituals and prayers used by Muslims.   I remained in my place quietly and prayerfully as others recited the prayers including the various postures used throughout the world. It was a humbling experience to be welcomed and to show solidarity with those who share a common humanity and a common belief in the One, Merciful and Almighty God.  Though we understand and relate to God in different ways we are called to live in friendship and mutual care according to the precepts of good religion.

Jews, Christians and Muslims acknowledge the patrimony of the Hebrew scriptures and the faith of Abraham who submitted to the will of God.

Vatican 2 reminds us of the following:

The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.  (Nostra Aetate, 2)

I believe that it is more important than ever for Christians including Christians here in Ireland to show solidarity and extend a sign of friendship when certain evil forces spread disharmony and distrust in our society.

It is also the case that we have much to learn from our brothers and sisters in the spiritual inheritance of our father Abraham.  I could not help think that the sense of community, resilience and commitment so evident from the gathering at the Mosque reminds Christians that we need to get back to our roots and our root – Jesus Christ the Son of God  crucified and risen for all that all may be one in Him.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are central to Ramadan as they are to Lent.   Perhaps, the act of fasting needs to be rediscovered in the Christian churches?  When undertaken as a community and when it is linked to practical giving and sharing of goods it can not only help us to be more disciplined disciples but can open our minds and hearts to the Word of God.

The ancient practice of fasting at particular times and seasons as well as in preparation for the Eucharist has huge value especially in a modern context characterised by over-indulgence and distraction.