Barbara Brown Taylor, an author, preacher and a member of the Center for Action and Contemplation, writes about what she calls “holy envy,” “ befriending followers of different traditions, and allowing such friendships to enrich our own faith. She summarizes an insight by inter-spiritual theologian Raimon Panikkar(1918-2010).”

“Raimon Panikkar…spent a lot of time thinking about what it might mean for Christians to focus on contributing to the world’s faiths instead of dominating them… he used the analogy of the world’s great rivers. The Jordan, the Tiber and the Ganges all nourish the Iives of those who live along the banks he said.  One flows through Israel; one flows through Rome and one flows through India. 

None of these rivers meet on earth, Panikkar said, though they do meet in the heavens, where water from each condenses into clouds that rains on all mortals of the earth. In the same way, he said, the religions of the world remain distinct and unmixed - they meet once transformed into vapor, once metamorphosed into Spirit, which is then poured down in innumerable tongues. “The Iman  at Masjid of Al-Islam in Atlanta told his students, “ Our deepest desire is not that you become Muslim, but that you become the best Christian, the best Jew, the best person you can be.”

“Eventually all people of faith must decide how they will think and respond to people of other (and no) faiths. Otherwise they will be left to the mercy of their worst impulses when push comes to shove and their fear deadens them to the best teachings of their religion.”

Let us pray that our Catholic faith leads us all to be the best person we can be. Contributed by Mary Ann Lause. Interested in joining the Peace and Justice Ministry?  Call or text Saralou Hendrickson at 314-440-2020.