Dear Friends,
Today is the last of our week of reflections for Interfaith Harmony Week. This week of reflections is dedicated in remembrance of the love and wisdom shared with us by Rev. Andrea J. Goodman, Co-founder and President of The Interfaith Peace Project.
World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February. The General Assembly of the United Nations designated this week to point out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace. The General Assembly established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
REV. ANDREA J. GOODMAN
August 30, 1950 – December 31, 2021
Cofounder and President of
The Interfaith Peace Project
May her memory be for a blessing!
WISDOM FROM THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
Interfaith Harmony Week
February 2, 2022
“Ubuntu” speaks of the very essence of being human. We say someone has ubuntu. Then you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up in yours.” We belong in a bundle of life. We say “A person is a person through other persons.” A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if the were less than who they are.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
RESPONSE
Andrea walked for the dignity of women and their advocates
Today I might walk by myself or with another person. As I walk, I will visualize who I am walking with as I take another step after another. Do I protest against authoritarianism? Am I walking with a friend in companionship? Am I standing up for a just cause? With whom shall I walk as I discover the passions of my heart?
Every step I take is sacred. I never walk alone. I will always walk in solidarity with others even when I am by myself. There is peace in every step.
Sometimes we know of individuals and organizations in need. We know of those who need help and those who quietly help others. Today I will seek out those in need. I will help them in any way I can. I will share my resources, say a prayer, or share my friendship.
Today I will practice the sacred act of giving myself for the sake of someone else. I will package some clothing I no longer need; I will go shopping in stores which practice justice. I will especially support those organizations and persons who advocate for women who have been assaulted.
I will remember the women in my life and be renewed by their wisdom and courage. I will tell their story to others so together we might be inspired, transformed, and encouraged.
I will discover anew the feminine voice within me no matter how I might identify myself. I will honor the energy within me which gives life and nurture.
REFLECTION
“Reality Moves in Harmony with Love”
Non-violence, both in terms of social action and inner transformation is the external manifestation of a contemplative state of consciousness that is itself an even deeper truth. ”Reality moves in Harmony with Love.” As a spiritual path, non-violence is not merely a cultural necessity or social form of protest but the whole configuration in which life can be seen in its deepest dimensions.”
Beverly Lanzetta
Love One Another as I have Loved You.
John 15:12
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