One of the highlights of our New York
City mission trip was worshiping at a Jewish synagogue. The service
we attended was filled with singing in the Hebrew language. Though
we did not understand the words, we did understand the spirit. The
congregation was filled joy and gratitude towards God.
About halfway through the service, the
rabbi identified us as a visiting group and we were asked to join him
at the front. He spoke briefly on the importance of accepting and
loving one another and understanding our differences. He spoke of us
as part of the family of God and asked the children to bring forward
cups of white grape juice for us to drink as a symbol of sharing our
faith with each other. He also asked the congregation to sing a song
of blessing upon us. We were all very moved by this amazing act of
hospitality and love.
How does your family seek to understand
those of different faiths? Do you know how they pray and worship?
What traditions or rituals do they honor? What are the basic
theological beliefs? What is the history of the faith? What special
days to they celebrate and why?
Build relationships with those of other
faiths. Seek to understand and love. Be people of peace and hope.
Reach out to all.
-Pastor Lisa
No comments:
Post a Comment