Beyond Differences, We Are the Same

Message from Rev. Anthony

Dear Friends,

I recently got into a text-chat with a friend from Northern Virginia. He was sharing how he was fasting for the next 30 days for Ramadan. Muslims believe that the Quran (Moslem’s Holy Book) was revealed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and so they fast from dawn to sunset in order to observe this holy time. They are also encouraged to pray and reflect on scripture.

I, of course, immediately thought of Lent and how the two traditions resemble one another. I also thought of how Ash Wednesday, in particular, shares many similarities with the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Although our religions are as diverse as we are (as people), there are fundamental attributes that they share such as fasting, forgiveness, and the mercy of God.

While Ash Wednesday is a Christian tradition, the belief that “we are dust and from dust we will return,” speaks of a universal principle that transcends any particular faith. It suggests that the essence of who we are eclipses the differences we may have.

This is an important reminder in a sociopolitical climate that wants to highlight our differences, in order to fragment shared interests, which could lead to shared action. As the old adage goes, “united we stand, divided we fall.”

This past Monday several St. John’s members went to the RISC rally at Second Baptist Church. It was encouraging to see hundreds of Richmonders of all races, religions, and genders gather together to focus on issues (affordable housing, gun violence, and healthy homes) affecting the most vulnerable in our society. There will continue to be challenges of injustice in our world, but as long as we are willing to see the splendor of our diverseness, the strength of our fortitude, and the truth, that we are all children of the Most High; then we can find “beauty in the ashes” of chaos. 

In Christ,

Anthony+