February 1, 2026

Dear Friends,

Today is the first of our daily reflections for Interfaith Harmony Week. The Interfaith Peace Project is pleased to offer you these reflections for each day of Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7, 2026. Our reflections for Interfaith Harmony Week are inspired by the work and life of our friend, Randy Thomas, who passed away on December 27, 2025. May he experience the Light and Peace he so generously shared with us. If you would like to view the introduction to this series, you can find it on our blog at: interfaithpeaceproject.org.

If you have anything that you would like to share, please contact:

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

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HARMONY
INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK
February 1-7, 2026
Day 1
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

Adobe Stock 686216710 By Sebastian

The Universe around us seems to be governed by forces and principles we, as yet, do not completely understand. A beautiful starry night invites us to feel blessed. The splendor of Nature surrounds us with mystery and delight as if something or someone truly cares about us. We might say the Universe around us is the Universe within us. We find our happiness when we live in harmony with the forces of Nature. Dance in the rain, bathe in the sunshine, and howl at the moon. Let the flowers entice you, and the beasts of the fields and mountains frighten and delight you. Savor the mystery of you and delight in those you meet.        

REFLECTION

Dear friends, your presence here today, in this remarkable place where minarets and church bell towers stand side by side, yet both reach skyward, testifies to the enduring faith of this Land and the steadfast devotion of its people to the one God. Here in this beloved land, may every bell toll, every adhān, every call to prayer blend into a single, soaring hymn – not only to glorify the merciful Creator of heaven and earth, but also to lift a heartfelt prayer for the divine gift of peace.

Leo XIV
To Türkiye And Lebanon
With A Pilgrimage to Iznik (Türkiye)
December 1, 2026

DEVELOPMENT

Cultures based on competition are often self-defeating. Life is more than a competitive sport. Life demands we develop skills by which we become creative, inventive, loving, kind, and compassionate. Our intelligence naturally seeks to discover what is true, while our hearts seek what is good for self and others. Life teaches us to live in harmony with others. Sometimes children play games without keeping score. The one who plays wins. When someone is hurting, it is only natural to come to their aid.      

RESPONSE

TAO TE CHING 8

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don’t try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
When you are content to be simply yourself
and don’t compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.