09-06-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 6, 2024
You have seen on the news a story of the Pope visiting Indonesia, a predominately Muslim country. There is a great deal of symbolism in this visit, including the Pope meeting with the Grand Imam of the Istqlal Mosque in Jakarta. This mosque stands across the street from the Catholic cathedral. What I did not know until this visit was that a tunnel was dug under the busy road between the mosque and the cathedral. The tunnel has a practical side while also making a profound statement. The practical reason is that when one of the religious centers is having a high holy day, they need extra parking. An agreement has existed between the two faith traditions, but for people to use one parking lot and cross the street to enter the other religious center was dangerous. The street is very busy. So the tunnel allowed for people to move from one side to the other with safety. But both faiths called it the “tunnel of friendship,” a clear expression of a deep connection between the two faith groups. Upon visiting the tunnel, Pope Francis said,

“When we think of a tunnel, we might easily imagine a dark pathway. This could be frightening, especially if we were alone. Yet here it is different, for everything is illuminated.” He went on to say, “I would like to tell you, however, that you are the light that illuminates it, and you do so by your friendship, by the harmony you cultivate, by the support you give each other, and by journeying together, which leads you in the end toward the fullness of light.” 

Symbols are important, and I would even go as far as saying that a symbol can change our perception. What kinds of symbolic connections are we making with those who are perceived to be on “the other side”? What difference could they make in our community? In our nation? In our world?

As you work to bring together people of diverse ideas and experiences, O Merciful God of All Creation, provide me symbols that will challenge my misguided perceptions and help me to create a pathway by which more people can come together. Amen.