Recently Bishop Vincent invited us to consider becoming a member on a committee on interfaith relations. Some may feel called to this as an altruistic form of self-giving, others may have other reasons. Some may wonder why bother at all, given that in our Profession of Faith, “we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church”. However, there may be some good reasons why you may consider this, even if it is in a less formal setting.
Firstly, when we refer to interfaith, we mean religions that do not believe that Jesus is the son of God such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam. Secondly, when we refer to relations in the context Bishop Vincent is inviting us, he is asking us to extend a hand of friendship and to listen and learn from people of different faiths.
Being a country of mostly migrants, many of us don’t need to look too far to find a relative of a non-Christian faith. Perhaps you are a convert. Being of Chinese descent I experienced cultural-religious festivals (such as praying in front of Buddha to celebrate Buddha’s birthday), as part of my growing up. To this day I participate in Asian tea ceremonies as part of wedding rituals of relatives and friends.
I have work friends who are practicing Muslims and Buddhists. In between work matters we would have respectful conversations about Islam, Buddhism and Christianity. One of my work friends goes on an 11-day silent retreat which makes my 6-day stint rather pedestrian. We laugh, listen, learn and swap notes. This is interfaith relations at its most informal but also life-giving. No rules, no formality, just friendship and sharing and learning.
We may be somewhat self-centred and arrogant to think that Catholicism has all the tools and hacks which help us grow closer to God, that latter being the ultimate goal of most religions. One of the most profound books I have ever read is The Seven Taoist Masters. My reading of it was that we spend a life-time trying to master the pillars of our faith. It becomes a faith-filled journey which, with age, we grow in love and wisdom in our relationship with God.
One of the most beautiful things I have ever read in my studies in theology actually comes from Islam. In an article on divine comprehensibility, it was said that Islam has 99 words to describe God. God is loving, God is merciful etc. However, the 100th word is the word which describes God in his entirety but is held in silence in honour of God.
I remember this in Divine contemplation, particularly on retreats. I remember this when I gaze into the Milky Way on a clear night. I remember this when I think of the desert mystics of the 2nd and 3rd century and the mystics of the 11 to 13 century. They knew this word, this awesomeness of God and lived and enjoyed the essence of the incomprehensible, unknowable God.
When I express a genuine desire to listen and learn from my friends of non-Christian faiths, I see their eyes glisten. This is so important in a society where public holidays are based on the Christian holy days. I know from life experience, there may be something in their religious practice which may help me in my relationship with God and my Catholic belief. I hope the sentiment from my friends is reciprocated.
Together, we not only deepen our friendship, but collectively become closer to our main purpose in belonging to our particular religion, we also become wonderful ambassadors of our different faiths. The non-Christian friends have and will continue to make me a better Catholic, better Christian and deeper lover of the Divine God.
Zara Tai OCV is a member of the Ordo Virginum in the Diocese of Parramatta.
If you would like to apply for the Diocesan Interfaith Commission, please visit: https://parracatholic.org/contribute/governance/
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know to the Diocesan Pastoral Council, please visit: https://parracatholic.org/the-diocesan-pastoral-council/
