In 1988, I waited on the front steps of Mt. St. Francis for the arrival of members of the Three-Year Covenant Community for their final retreat at the Mount. This group, comprised of Methodist and Disciples of Christ clergy and laity, had been coming to the Mount four times a year over the course of three years. I had gotten to know many of the participants and looked forward to seeing them.
A car pulled up, and I walked down the steps to greet Marilyn, one of the 38 members of this covenant community. Marilyn had just stepped out of her car and was gazing at the beautiful fall view. She sighed and then turned to me, “Br. Bob, I’m sure going to miss coming here. I want you to know something—this place has healed so many of my bad experiences with Catholics. That healing is largely due to you, Br. Bob.”
I was quite touched by what Marilyn said, and before I could ask her what I had done, she elaborated; “Bob, growing up, I was the only non-Catholic in my neighborhood. I was always the object of ridicule and put-downs because I wasn’t Catholic. You have always been such a welcoming presence here, as have all the friars. I was so impressed that you knew my name every time I came here. I could tell that you really cared about us and our community.”
I share this story with you as an example of how often our biases and prejudices melt away when we enter into a relationship with someone of a different faith or cultural tradition. When we take the time to get to know one another, to listen to one another, and share with one another what or who we hold dear in our hearts, something wonderful can happen.
In 1219, St. Francis journeyed to the Mideast to convert the sultan, Malik al-Kamil to Christianity. The Sultan never converted, but he formed a deep and lasting friendship with St. Francis. Conversely, St. Francis, in getting to know the Sultan, formed a relationship based upon mutual respect and understanding.
Most of my ministry as a friar has been at our retreat and spirituality centers. I learned a valuable lesson from my first Guardian, friar Wayne Hellmann, OFM Conv., and my first friar-supervisor, +friar Ambrose Eischens, OFM Conv.: hospitality and openness are hallmarks of being a friar. When we welcome men and women of different faith traditions, or from different ethnic or cultural groups to our ministries, we are enriched and blessed in ways that we cannot possibly imagine.
As the universal Church celebrates 60 years of the landmark document of Vatican II, Nostra Aetate, our friars— and the many lay people who minister with us— have a marvelous opportunity to enbody the spirit of this significant document. In 2013, friar Steve McMichael, OFM Conv., spoke about the overwhelming significance of Pope Francis washing and kissing the feet of two Muslim women on his first Holy Thursday as pope. “That simple, humble gesture on the part of Pope Francis did more to bolster good will and understanding with our Muslim brothers and sisters than any document or proclamation. It also undid some of the misunderstanding and distrust that some members of the Muslim community felt towards Christianity.” Friar Steve has spent over 30 years participating in various dialogue groups with Christians and non-Christians.
I continue to be amazed at the blessings that these encounters have bestowed upon me, and I look forward to the brothers and sisters I have yet to meet and to learn from.
