A Few Words On "The Word"

January 6, 2008
The Epiphany of the Lord, Year A
Matthew 2:1-12

Peacebuilding and Interreligious Dialogue

Nearly everyone is part of a sports team, club, or organization at some point in their life. When you join a community it is usually because you share a common interest with other members of a given group. Members of an athletic team share a common talent and goal. If you are a member of an academic team you probably enjoy learning. Other groups, such as a marching band, focus on a common interest in music.

Society is built upon the interaction of multiple communities and groups. Family units, service organizations, clubs, and faith communities all form vital parts of a thriving society. While all communities in society attract different people and are usually unique, they also share a common goal. This goal centers on the fact that despite our different interests, we all want to live happy and fulfilling lives. Joining a specific community enables us to journey toward this goal in our own way.

The magi's visit in today's gospel shows us several things about Jesus and our own Christian community. Matthew doesn't tell us much about the magi. We do know that they weren't really kings but rather astrologers who studied the stars. Therefore, we can be sure that these foreigners were not Jews though they belonged to a community with ideas and beliefs of their own. Through the star God reveals his only son to the magi in a way they can understand, proving that Jesus has come for all people, not just Jews or Christians.

In our own religiously diverse society we often come into contact with people of other religious traditions. In Nostra Aetate, a document written by Pope Paul VI on the relationship of Christians to those of other faiths, the Catholic Church emphasizes the special relationship we share with other religions. The Church reinforces the belief that despite our different practices and beliefs, most religions around the world have the same goal—union with God.

As Catholics we are encouraged to participate in dialogue with members of other faith traditions in an effort to better understand one another. As peacebuilders we have a special role to play in interreligious dialogue because our desire to work for justice and peace is readily understood by people of all religious background. Thus, working for justice gives us a special opportunity to interact with, learn from, and dialogue with people of other traditions.

As human beings, we all enjoy being part of a community with common beliefs and goals. Even when it is hard to understand the convictions of others we must remember that all people follow a star, whatever that may be. As Christians who work for peace we must enable others to reach the common goal we all share that leads ever closer to God. 

Reflection Question

How can we strengthen our relationships with non-Christians while realizing that our own faith is unique and important as well?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!