Moving toward Peace

Notice Saint Francis dancing with birds. He’s not pensively looking down into a birdbath with a dove on his shoulder and squirrels at his feet like we see so often in garden art. No, the sculptor depicts Saint Francis actively engaged with the birds, lost and found in their flock, moving with them in the direction of God. 

This special sculpture in the courtyard of the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Bethlehem shows Saint Francis grounded and flying at the same time. As he moves toward peace within, he can’t help but become one with all of God’s creation.

What a beautiful image to depict what happens in spiritual direction. What a powerful image to contemplate as we approach a significant anniversary and a global holiday during September.

Saint Francis and Islam

Did you know that Saint Francis intentionally learned about the Islamic tradition and made efforts to be in conversation with Muslims? During a recent planning meeting for an upcoming Spiritual Directors International pilgrimage to Assisi, Franciscan Brother David Liedl talked about how Francis was an engaged contemplative who reached out for understanding across traditions. If you would like to learn more, David recommended a book by J. Hoeberichts titled Francis and Islam.

Contemplative Practice for Peace

As we reflect on the tenth anniversary of September 11 and celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the United Nations Day of Peace on September 21, how might we personally and in our communities welcome the “Other”? Like Saint Francis, how might we seek out people from other traditions to become people of peace? Not a sappy birdbath peace, but the kind of peace that responds to the call to be grounded and uplifted at the same time. Rooted in our spiritual traditions and so trusting of God’s guidance that we are swept up into a movement toward peace and understanding that makes us one with all of creation.

Moving toward Peace

Looking ahead to October, there’s another important anniversary for peace across spiritual traditions: October 27. Twenty five years ago, the late Pope John Paul II invited Jewish leaders, the Dalai Lama, Imams, and dozens of other spiritual leaders from around the world and across traditions to join him in Assisi – the home of Saint Francis – to pray for an end to violence and suffering perpetrated in the name of religion.

To commemorate that historic gathering for peace, Pope Benedict will be in Assisi on October 27 with spiritual leaders from around the world. As a way of participating prayerfully in the Assisi peace gathering and responding to the call to be people of peace,  the Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International will gather with people in New England, USA for an evening of contemplative practice, “Cultivating Compassion: Moving toward Peace.” Please join us near Boston on October 25 or consider creating a similar interfaith gathering for peace the week of October 27.

Reflection:

How does meeting regularly with a spiritual director move you toward peace? What contemplative practices help you respond to God’s call to be people of peace?