In the news over the past week we are struck with the very poignant scenes of Christian cursing Muslim and Muslim cursing Christian at a time when the nation remembers the extraordinary events of 9-11. But have we forgotten we are all brothers and sisters in faith? Abraham’s God is the God of Christian, Jew, and Muslim. Whether we call Him Lord, Yahweh, or Allah we are all descendants of Abraham, “our father in faith.” (Genesis 17:4, 20).
There are those who like to point to the passages in the Qur’an that tell the faithful Muslim to make war and kill the Jew and Christian. But there are many passages of the Old Testament that tell us to do the exact same thing to the Muslim. A study of the books of Jeremiah and Isaiah would surprise many Christians. Three of the Psalms (58, 83, and 109) were not included in the Roman Breviary because they were prayers for vengeance!
In the Gospel and the Rule we are taught to “love your enemies. If people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead.” (Rule 4:31-32) The psalms were removed from the Breviary because they seemed contrary to the teachings within the Gospels. So in our own lives we should take the time to remove those thoughts or actions that are contrary to what Jesus and St. Benedict have taught us. Let us take time out to let go of old injuries — or at least begin the slow work of healing. “Love of one’s enemies separates us from the world and joins us happily to God; it separates us from the actions of worldly men, and at the same time joins us to the fellowship of the saints and angels.” (Smaragus of Saint-Mihel, p. 199)
This is the hard work of being Christian – not only to forgive but to repay with a blessing. To accept the Cross even when it comes undeserved and then bless the person who gives it to you. To see the face of Christ in the person of an enemy or a person who has injured you. It is also the “work” we make the most excuses, telling ourselves our anger or outrage is justified. How many families, friends, or neighbors do not speak over injuries sustained years ago? We need to let go of these past injuries to receive the blessing of God on ourselves. But we must also forgive to heal our families, communities and ourselves.
In the September 2010 issue of the Oblate Newsletter, the following passage is contained in the article 9-11: A Reflection: “But there are many passages of the Old Testament that tell us to do the exact same thing to the Muslim [i. e. make war on the Muslim and kill him].”
I fear that this is a serious historical error. The Old Testament could not have said this or even intended this as there were no Muslims at the time the Old Testament was written. Islam arises only in the seventh century A.D.
I write this in all charity.
drd
You are quite right and I am aware that the Muslim faith did not exist at the time of the writing of the Old Testament. You must admit, however, the Old Testament does speak to the ancestors of Ishmael. My purpose was not to teach history but rather to point out that there are writings in the Old Testament that do not place Judaism or Christianity in the best of lights and could be read similarly as the Qu’ran when taken out of context.
PAX,
George
And then some fool will say, ” Prejudice against Muslims is OK~~~I saw it onthe Oblate website”~~~”Let’s all go out and wreck havoc on the Muslims” Isn’t that what’s going on in NYC at present?
You are quite right on all counts. My apprehension was merely that someone unaware of the historical background would use the error as a rationalization to pillory the web-site, our Oblates, Belmont, Catholics, etc.
drd