As our small group walked through the places of worship within Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House, a typeface letter inlaid in the wall reached out, grabbing my attention. Effortlessly, I was taken to a place and time long lost in my memories. Four decades ago, midweek in early October, I was part of a tour group visiting Assisi, Italy. It was my first experience with the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the traditions he came to represent.
It was odd to feel totally back in the moment while being fully present in this new church. On one hand, I was walking steep stone streets, looking out over the plain at sunset, experiencing what it would have been like to give up everything for the principles of charity that one believed in. On the other, I was trapped in the quietness of a church with a simple letter revealing the richness of the faith system and all it represented.
St. Francis was a radical in his time. Often rejected and challenged, he lived out his response to Divine love. It is worth noting how the impact of his life has grown over the 800+ years to a point where a single letter can take someone today to the calling of serving the powerless with respect, compassion, and, above all, unconditional love.
The modern-day church stands as a testimony to the respect given by the majority to others who, often as not, have been seen as enemies. Whatever one might think of our differences, it is in recognising what binds us together that communities flourish and grow. It is a strong symbol to see this city which is also this country’s seat of power.
Divinity’s heart is revealed in known and unknown. In this part of the family’s house, one’s “response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.” (Romans 2.16).
Everlasting, enduring hope, on display.
