In the face of one another ... in the relationship that binds 'brother to brother', and 'sister to sister' …in the acceptance of diversity …and in the poverty of suffering:  in each of these instances we are given the opportunity to change 'swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks'.  Every occasion where we encounter the beauty of another person — where we sense 'the mystery of God in a capacity to be, to love and to be loved' — becomes an opportunity to create harmony, and relationship, with people for whom we share differences …. differences, in understanding.

Within each life lives the spark of our Creator — a hidden flame that longs to diminish, and consume, the darkness of the human self.  A divine Light that reveals we are all one people — God's people ..... caing, compassionate human beings waiting to be born in the likeness of the Eternal. 

* * * * *

In this century, on this planet, each of us holds the key to become wounded healers … men, women [and children] who — as a collective, fragile humanity — can choose to accept, and embrace, our brokenness as a part of the healing mosaic within a global community.  "Community arises where the sharing of pain takes place, not as a stifling form of self-complaint, but as a recognition of God's saving promises ….not because our wounds are cured and pains are alleviated, but because wounds and pains become openings or occasions for a new vision […a new relationship]."⁸

In this new millennium, our call is to rediscover our need to heal one another … beginning, with our own wounds, our individual brokenness.  Our challenge, in turn, is to recognize that our differences do not have to isolate us — but rather, diversity becomes the doorway to observe our common frailty ….so that from our wounded condition, we can explore the healing strength that flows from a heart of love.

"By seeing beyond the narrow confines of cultural differences and historic enmities, spiritual leaders from the world's great religions are blessed with a unique opportunity to apply their combined wisdom and influence to meet the challenges of our day and to bequeath to future generations a globalized perspective that draws the very best of our collective spiritual and religious heritage.  I can think of no greater goal in the twenty-first century than ushering in the era predicted by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah:  when nations 'will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore'              [Isaiah 2:4  NIV]."⁹

In compassion, we can find the courage to heal the scars that divide us. 

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1. Nouwen, Henri J.M.  The Wounded Healer.  New York: Doubleday, 1979.
2. ibid.
3. ibid.
4. ibid.
5. ibid.
6. ibid.
7. Vanier, Jean.  encountering 'the other'. Dublin: Veritas, 2005.
8. Nouwen, Henri J.M.  The Wounded Healer.  New York: Doubleday, 1979.  
9. Rauf, Imam Feisal Abdul.  What's Right With Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West.  New York: Harper Collins, 2004.