September 8, 2024

 

Dear Friends:

The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of the International Women’s Day, March 8, by sending you a reflection on the eighth of every month. We invite you share in this effort by sending any articles or information concerning the voice of women that you would like to share to:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P
[email protected]
925-787-9279

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SEARCHING
Continuing to Honor International Women’s Day
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

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I have not addressed the terror that is Gaza because I was afraid to say something true and not helpful. I still hesitate for fear of saying something hurtful.

To say our prayers and concerns are with the people of Israel / Palestine sounds empty and artificial. Condemning atrocities while advocating for peace is obvious and even mundane.

In light of the terrorism, atrocities, and mayhem, I do not know what to say. I feel broken and powerless in the wake of such insanity. I think the rich religious and spiritual heritage of the region would contribute some sense of direction, if not an actual solution. Let us explore some of the religious traditions found in the lands of Israel / Palestine for wisdom, sanity, consolation, and a sense of direction in these troubled times.

In Exodus 22:21, we read from the Jewish Tradition, “You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” The injunction is born out of the experience of bondage. Imagine if we would learn from our hurts how not to hurt others. Imagine if our own suffering gave birth to compassion and understanding rather than rage and revenge. 

The Quran verse 49:13 in Surah Al-Hujurat proclaims, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another.” Imagine if our diversity was the source of our coming together, the delight of our hearts, and the quest of our lives on Earth.

Bahá’u’lláh from the Baha’i taught, “There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.” Imagine if the people of different religions rejoiced in the wisdom of shared experiences, prayers, and religious philosophies.

The Druze religion teaches every moment of life is sacred and love for one another is the norm of life. There is no need for rituals or sanctuary for everyone lives in the presence of God. We should treat one another accordingly.  Imagine a world where everything and everyone is considered precious and endearing in the eyes of God.

Jesus of Galilee proclaimed, “You shall love your enemies and pray for those who hate you.” (see Matthew 5: 43-44). Imagine a world where hate is an invitation to give of yourself for the sake of others. 

I remember the words of Angela Davis, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

We need to be sensitive to the historical developments creating the situation in Israel / Palestine and Gaza in particular. Nonetheless, common sense and human decency demand that the violence and chaos end now.

I am unsure what to do, but I will keep searching for ways to change what so many have told me I must accept. It may be time to risk peace and the power of love. As Simone Biles so powerfully said, “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” It is time to give peace a chance.