Faith Walks of a Christian in everyday life and work experiences. Interfaith Insights from struggles in life that lead to better understanding of suffering and redemption.

Jesus Crucified and Resurrected - Interfaith Insights

Last year at about this season, I was captivated by something that Sr. Leyla, a co-worker and friend had shared with me about her own experiences growing up in severe poverty in Nicaragua. Little did I know that multiple interfaith connections would eventually help to bring about a better understanding of what faith is all about for both Leyla and me.

It happened that after one of our hurricane recovery meetings, I chanced upon Leyla in her office, and we both were reflecting upon some of the true hardships that not only our clients were facing but also ourselves. I shared with Leyla about some family matters that were difficult and causing a lot of stress in my life then.

In response, Leyla noted to me that when she was a child growing up in some extreme circumstances in South America, a constant inspiration to her and her family was their church and particularly a very graphic Crucifix that was prominently displayed there above the Tabernacle. While she certainly looked forward to Easter and the promise of new life, the “old rugged cross” was a predominant theme in her everyday life, so it provided a deep consolation to her, as well as peace in coping with things. She noted that it wasn’t till later in her childhood, after she moved to the US, that she became more exposed to a deeper understanding and experience of the resurrection.

With that time of the year also being Lent, when one tries to remove attachments or distractions to a relationship with God, I couldn’t help but be magnetized to the draw of the power of the Cross that Leyla had shared about. And Good Friday was coming up, so a clear focus was developing on how I could better grow spiritually and manage my own personal concerns in a manner that would be in sync with my faith and not a disconnect.

Coincidentally (or providentially!) also at that time, I was learning more about other belief systems per my own participation with the local interfaith networking group, as well as per contact with another Catholic friend, Diane, who had invited me in the previous fall to a dinner gathering at the Atlas Foundation during Ramadan. It was neat to meet and break bread with folks of the Islamic Faith tradition and to learn more about it. At that meeting, Diane shared with us a video account of her trip to Turkey that involved contact with many sacred places, including to a special house in Ephesus, where it is reported that the Virgin Mary lived and was cared for by John, the Beloved Apostle, after Jesus was crucified.

Also around this time of that year, Howard, a best friend of mine and also a social worker, lost his father, Saul, after a difficult illness. They had been very close, as Howard had faithfully stayed with Saul for many years after his dad was widowed. Being of the Jewish Faith Tradition, he faced Passover for the first time ever without his father. He had comforted me a few years before when both of my parents had died after Hurricane Katrina, so I did my best to help Howard to carry that cross of separation. Just about a month ago, he told me that they had a very moving “Tombstone Unveiling Ceremony,” which is usually done a year after a loved one dies; this gives those in mourning an opportunity to commemorate the deceased.

All of these faith walk experiences converged upon my heart last year and now as I pondered the true meaning of the Cross and struggle with my own limitations and need for redemption – whether per the understandings I gained from Leyla, Diane or Howard. It is abundantly clear as to the answer to that profound question that has perplexed many different faith traditions: “And who is my neighbor?” – Every person that I encounter in my life!

So the Holy Spirit inspired me last year to find a little way to show my appreciation to Leyla, and I found it right in my own neighborhood. Cetin, a neighbor of the Islamic faith, that I had never met, had some metal sculptures in front of his house that I was intrigued by. One of these works of art was a “mosquito shaped mailbox,” and he also had a neat javelin thrower. I thought that I could maybe get him to make a little Crucifix for Leyla.

Despite somewhat of a language barrier, Cetin showed me a draft that not only would show Christ crucified but also Christ resurrected. When I saw the finished work, I was floored! The free standing Crucifix included a Resurrection depiction in metal form of Jesus' Spirit flying off the Cross. I was able to have Cetin join us in formally presenting the work to Leyla where she is employed.

Thank you, Lord, for showing us a multitude of meanings and understandings of suffering and redemption in the human condition we all share. Like One Light shining into a prism, a shower of resplendent colors reflects your love and care for us. As Rabbi Kushner so aptly noted once, the question is not “Why bad things happen to good people,” but is more aptly “When Bad Things Happen To Good People.” As a Christian, when I celebrate Easter, I like to add the following verse to that powerful Negro Spiritual, “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord” song:

“We are here with the Resurrected Lord; (repeat) Oh –oh – oh - oh: sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. We are here with the Resurrected Lord!”

“Happy Easter, Blessed Passover, Peace be upon him!(The latter = Islamic Prayer)”
Keith Horcasitas, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810,khorcasitas.yahoo.com, March 28, 2010.