Symphony of Faiths.

On Good Friday, my Christian brothers and sisters commemorate the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. I believe, more than a billion souls around the globe, filled with hope and faith,are reflecting on Christ’s resurrection and his life.

Last week, I was pondering over the underlying message in the Christian faith of Lord’s sacrifice for our sins and his love for his children. My heart was intuitively drawn towards a resonating message from my Hindu scriptures. The story of “Samudra Manthan”. Lord Shiva consumes the poison “Halahala” to protect the Universe .His benevolent act was to ensure the victory of good over evil forces.

Next, my mind drifted towards Sikh Guru Arjan Das and Guru Tej Bahadur .Both Gurus had sacrificed their lives for humanity and inspired millions of Sikhs to be fearless ambassadors of Dharma.

 I did not rest. I allowed my mind to drift further. I reflected upon Hussain’s sacrifice at Karbala and could relate to the emotional fervor during Muharram of the devout Shia devotee. Equally engaging was mythological South- Indian King Shibi’s compassionate immolation of self and numerous Jataka tales revealing Buddha's profound philosophy. I also felt compelled to make an immersive  dip into  the Aztec Legend of five Suns and sacred  belief that god’s sacrifice creates a new sun, which creates a new world.

Each story above seems quite different, but the underlying inspirational teaching is not very different at all.  It feels like our universe is a grand symphony and I am listening to different instruments playing harmonious notes.  Each instrument is complete and endowed to perform in solitude but when all instruments come together in a symphony, the melodious experience is divine. The Apache Flute walks me through the secretive trails of the Natives, the Persian Rubab reminds me of Bhai Mardana playing for Guru Nanak on the banks of river Ravi as it flows through the rustic villages of Punjab, The rhythmic drums of the African Kebero capture the  Abyssinian people and their free spirit challenging colonial conquests, the celestial  notes of the  Rudra Veena transport me to the abode of the devas and the devis, each string of  the Spanish Guitar is witness to the intricate architecture of the Alhambra in its full glory.

My interfaith journey has just begun!

Reflection for Plymouth-Canton Interfaith Community Outreach, April 15, 2017

This past week I ran into a member of a “mega-church” who presumed I was Christian and invited me to a missionary trip to Africa where the Muslims were being taught about Christ.  I declined saying I would be a horrible missionary as I am daily being converted by Muslims.  I added that for years I have also been made whole by not just Muslims but Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Neo-Pagans and Atheists.   I left her disappointed, but was assured she would keep me in her prayers…

 

After some 30 years of being involved in “interfaith work” I found the spiritual intimacy I had with people of all traditions left me struggling with my Catholic Christian faith, which is anchored in the belief that Jesus is the Son of God.  I simply couldn’t reconcile how one tradition's “holy man” or “holy book” was superior to that of another tradition.  So, while I am grateful for the 50 or so years of being a practicing Catholic, the past ten years have found me spiritually alive but adrift from any religious affiliation.  Jesus (Peace be upon Him) remains in my DNA and I remain drawn to his message and life of being present to the other and making sure all people, especially the marginalized, knew that had a place at the table of God.

 

As Christians celebrate Easter this weekend, I pray that their days after Easter when they seek an authentic encounter with their Risen Lord, lead them to finding him dwelling in the same unexpected people Jesus chose as vehicles to make God’s loving presence known over 2,000 years ago.  I am drawn to the Hindu teaching that there are many paths, but one Truth.  I am also mindful of the great African bishop, Augustin of Hippo, who said “there is a hole in our heart only God can fill.”  I am thankful there is plenty of spiritual food to be found in our neighbors from whatever religious or philosophical path they have chosen for themselves.  It is in this engagement that I am made spiritually whole: left praying I can pass along this love to my family, neighbors and co-workers, especially those most in need of the gift of Love.

 

I want to thank the members of the Plymouth-Canton Interfaith Community Outreach for their work over the years in making the love of the Creator known in our community and beyond...

Steve Spreitzer

Guest Blogger