THE INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT
A Legacy of Peace for Twenty-Five Years
Dynamics of Gratitude
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
Gratitude is not uncommon in the practice of the Faith Traditions of humankind. Gratitude to the Supreme may be the oldest act we might find in the practice of what we call “religion.”
Since humankind began with a close affinity to the Earth, the soil was vibrant with grain, the water was essential for life, the trees bore fruit in abundance, and the deeper waters provided fish. Food was born from the Earth with a sense of wonder, mystery, and surprise.
Because everything turned in Seasons, the food supply was uneven, uncertain, and unpredictable. Abundance could turn into scarcity depending on flood, drought, storm, or other “natural” disturbance of Nature.
The search for food and water was as profound as the search for the Supreme or the Divine. How did these waters give refreshment and fish? How does grain spring from the seed that dies in the ground? All of this was a profound experience. When the plentiful was forthcoming, gratitude was the order of the day.
A compromised food supply threatened the well-being and life of all. Were the gods displeased? Was some taboo violated? Humans felt the need to appease, make amends, or repent to restore order to the chaos of any food shortages stemming from the wrath of the divine.
To this day, many would not think of eating or drinking without an offering of gratitude expressed in a prayer or good deed.
The connection between food and gratitude runs so deep that in many Traditions the divine encounter occurs within the sacred act of eating and drinking.
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need
for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that
she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time.
To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)
Ancient people were alert to the idea that all good things come from heaven above. The food and drink of Earth were a participation in the divine table of abundance. The Psalms of the Hebrew Scripture celebrate in song and chant the beautiful imagery:
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 34: 8
Wisdom is said to have set her table. It is a table of transformation where fools become wise:
Wisdom has built her house,
she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls
from the highest places in the town,
4 “You that are simple, turn in here!”
To those without sense she says,
5 “Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
Proverbs 9: 1-6
What nourishes the flesh, feeds the soul, and transforms the person. The aspects of soul and body can never be separated. Like all creatures (great and small), we look to the divine for breath, life, food, drink, and compassion.
27 (All your creatures) look to you
to give them their food in due season;
28 when you give to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created;
and you renew the face of the ground.
Psalm 104:27-30
The imagery of the table is sacred. Gathering at or around the table is a sacred ritual. When we gather at a table to work, eat, drink, or engage, a greater presence can be felt. Even in times of conflict, some greater power invites us to reconciliation and peace.
We must revisit Rumi’s poem. Its imagery is so profound. The tables in our lives call us to be people of gratitude, graciousness, generosity, and self-giving.
… there is a long table of companionship
beautifully set
and just waiting for us to sit down. …
Coleman Barks, Translator
As we look back over the years, we realize anew, with gratitude of heart, how many times we have been blessed with the graciousness of those we encounter along the way.
Even in times of debate, conflict, and upset, the table at which we gathered invited us to feast in the presence of one another as we quested for wisdom, insight, and enlightenment.
Our Interfaith work develops along the insights of the Interpath Principles, of which hospitality might be its soul:
Hospitality is at the heart of our work and outreach.
We strive to offer a safe and welcoming haven. We strive to accept people as they are. This attitude of the heart stems from a deep practice of respect and openness, inviting our companions to open the door to the depths of their hearts. We seek to be what people need us to be. Rumi reminds us, “We humans are each a guesthouse.” As a guesthouse, we open our hearts and minds to those who may walk with us, seeking to be fully alive.
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival. …
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi
Blessings to you, Beloved Community, let us give thanks for the gifts of one another. Thank you for inviting us into your hearts.
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