Reflection on 'Infinite Riches' at Catholic Spirituality Network conference

Fr Michael Barnes SJ

The Catholic Spirituality Network conference on the theme 'Infinite Riches' (Romans 11:33) took place online 7-9 June. Bernadette Farrell led the liturgies with a skilful combination of images and chants from different faiths and some of her own compositions which mirrored perfectly the five contributions by Fr Michael Barnes SJ. We split into discussion groups and there was plenty of time for meditation and questions. With such rich talks it is only possible to provide a flavour of the content and my thanks to Sr Marie Grogan for her notes.

Michael began with three encounters: the angels visiting Abraham, the angel Gabriel greeting Mary and the prophet Muhammad's encounter with the angel. It is in the light of others that we are able to know ourselves better. For Benedictines, all guests are welcomed as Christ. "What do we say to an unexpected approach?" Hospitality may open up all sorts of possibilities.

He spoke of the four types of dialogue namely theological exchange, spirituality, political, daily life itself. Michael's second talk, "Keeping the memory alive," concentrated on the Jewish revelation and its relationship to Christianity. The idea of bathing yourself in the text was described as the "liturgy of study". We should listen to the Word and engage with the Word made flesh. Jews and Christians are like siblings both called to be signs of redemption in the world.

Session 3: "Reciting God's words" considered Islam with its emphasis on "recite". The three principles of spirituality, rationality and justice may be seen as prayer, intellectual enquiry and action to do what is right. Michael drew parallels between Jesus and Husayn ibn Ali, the third Shia Imam and grandson of Muhammad, who was tragically killed by his rivals, saying that God's will shall triumph in spite of pain and suffering. The three Abrahamic religions are responses to different but perhaps complimentary imperatives which could be seen as Listen, Follow and Recite.

Session 4: "Journeying into the heart" considered Hindu responses to God. Drawing on his vast experience and many images of Southall and India, Michael portrayed a world of "happy pluralism".

Session 5 "Awakening Compassion" considered the Buddha. The encounter comes before the words and hospitality leads to conversation. The Buddha's teaching can be seen as practical and spiritual rather than theistic. His Middle Way enlightens all living beings, including gods and devils. Meditation is a structured journey to the self but it is not obsessed with self. You cannot encapsulate God and there should be a question mark over a human tendency to over objectivise. The Buddha adapts to the person's needs. The aim is to become a certain type of person with other suffering sentient beings. One should avoid eternalism and nihilism and see things as they really are. The 8-fold path includes remembrance, living in the present moment, and thinking of the past and future in relation to the present moment (mindfulness). Buddha observes and does not absorb (detachment). Waiting is essential. We make God in our own image. Listen to the word that speaks from the heart of God and Love is the heart of Christian faith.

In conclusion, Michael showed an image of Christ the drummer. The sound gathers people together. The Word of God within the community resonates far beyond the community. This led to the suggestion that the network could look at African religions at a future event.

We must listen to the infinite richness of a loving God. In the stranger we find ourselves. There is only One Mystery of creation and redemption. Within that there will be different responses. In answer to questions Michael spoke of the fear of the other becoming more widespread and humility is a Buddhist virtue. He was asked about difficult evangelicals and answered that he had never met a jihadist but there are those in every tradition who fear encounter with the other. He responded to a question about the role of women by pointing to many examples in the traditions of women taking the lead.

For myself, I was once again challenged by Michael to think more about my approach to others before anything is said. How open am I to others' views?

Bernadette Farrell's song seemed to sum up the message of the conference "Make us now your living sign, recreate us for your purpose in this place and in this time".

For more details about the network visit: www.csnretreats.org.uk/about.php