Archive for July, 2008
Entry for Friday, July 18, 2008
Saturday, July 19th, 2008
Blessed be God!
I’m back in my parish in Aiken, South Carolina. The institute in Chicago was informative and educational. I am glad that I went and I hope to be able to pass along some of the things I learned to the good people in my area.
This morning I was at the last day of our parish’s Vacation Bible School. What a blessing it is to be back, and to be able to be with the young people learning the stories of the Bible!
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Entry for Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 19th, 2008
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Today, after Sunday Mass, we had some conferences on Hinduism and then went and visited a Hindu temple. One of the Hindu believers gave us a conference at the temple and then gave us a tour of the worship area. One of the Hindu priests came over and greeted the group.
This exposure to Hinduism was a moment of growth for me. The religions of the Far East are unknown to me and I’m tempted to just dismiss them. But in dismissing them, I also run the risk of dismissing a people and culture’s attempt to reach God and understand him. That basic human desire demands respect.
I was grateful when our tour was over, but I’m glad to have the opportunity to learn about Hinduism.
The important lesson for me to remember in interreligious dialogue (as opposed to ecumenical dialogue within the Christian faith) is that the principle is one of being a “good neighbor.” It’s this principle that inspires further discourse and dialogue.
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Entry for Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Today in the institute conferences we studied a lot about Judaism and its history. I was particularly interested in the post-Temple development of rabbinical Judaism. After the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, the Jewish faith developed and was carried by the rabbis and their teaching. The synagogue took a more prominent role. This is very important because it was only after 70 AD that the Jewish Christians were expelled from the synagogue. These are two parallel and fundamental developments which certainly influenced both. This understanding certainly changes the picture of New Testament Christianity and the understanding between the early Christians and the Jewish people.
It’s good to get this history right now, because I’m currently (but slowly) making my way through the book, “A Rabbi Talks with Jesus” by Jacob Neusner. Rabbi Neusner gives a unique reading of the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. So far, I’d recommend the book.
It’s important as Christians to understand our spiritual roots. All of these studies help me to appreciate Jesus more and to see the wonderful plan of salvation in human history.
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Entry for Friday, July 11, 2008
Saturday, July 12th, 2008
Praised be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man!
Well, this was a peculiar Friday. After the morning conferences, myself and the other members of the interreligious institute attended the Jummah prayers at the Libertyville/Waukegan mosque. It was a unique experience. I have never attended Muslim prayer before. It was a learning experience.
Islam has no “sabbath” per se. They assemble on Friday afternoon for prayer, but many come from or go back to work. There is no divinely ordered “day of rest”.
The imam especially greeted the young people present. Many of them cannot attend the public prayer gathering during the school year because they’re in classes. Being the summer, they were able to attend today.
I sometimes wonder at the workings of Providence.
My brother left today for his military assignment in Afghanistan. He left at the same time that I was entering the mosque for prayer. Isn’t that odd? I thought a lot about the connection. Maybe it’s Providence trying to foster healing or a greater worldview? It was just a very interesting sequence of events.
Please remember my brother in your prayers. He’ll be away for about 15 months.
After Muslim prayer, we came back to the seminary for a conference and daily Mass.
After our evening conference, we left for the Long Grove Synagogue for the Sabbath evening service. It was a powerful “homecoming.” Years ago I was very interested in Judaism and read a lot about it. Sadly, in recent years, I haven’t been able to read as much. I enjoy the study of Judaism because it always seems to strengthen my own faith and understanding of Jesus Christ. After the service, the rabbi graciously answered questions and even opened up the Arc and showed us the Torah scrolls. It was awesome.
It’s not every Friday that I person gets to pray in the houses of worship of the three great monotheistic religions of the world. What a day!
It was a blessing to be in places of peace and prayer, especially with my brother’s deployment.
God is doing a great work. We need to recognize that and seek to be better instruments of his peace and mercy.
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Greetings in Chicagoland!
Saturday, July 12th, 2008
Praised be Jesus Christ!
I’m currently at the seminary outside of Chicago for an Institute for Interreligious Leadership. It’s a very informative and helpful institute, with information on the different religious bodies and how to foster dialogue.
I’m learning a lot, although I greatly miss South Carolina.
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