There is a saying that everything is a 'sacrament'. The Catholic Peace Weekly in its Eyes of the Clergy column gives the readers some thoughts on the subject.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, a sacrament is a holy sign expressed sensibly and symbolically so that the invisible grace of God can be seen and felt. In other words, "everything is sacramental" means that God’s grace is everywhere in the world. God shows his grace through everything in the world so that we humans can feel and realize it. It is up to us to have the eyes and heart to recognize the grace of God inscribed in all things in the world.
The language of religion is 'symbols' we can broaden the scope not only of the sacraments but also the scope of neighboring religions. In religious studies, the language of religion is called 'symbols'. It is said that human beings convey their thoughts or opinions through 'words', but religion conveys values or doctrines through 'symbols'. So, understanding the symbols of each religion is like understanding the value and depth of that religion. For example, if you do not understand the meaning of the cross in Christianity, you will not understand the resurrection and salvation that Christianity speaks of.
But what if the symbol or action of a certain religion causes inconvenience to other religions or neighbors? What if it is a meaningful symbol or recommended act in my religion, but a symbol or act that is taboo or uncomfortable in other religions?
For example, going to a Catholic Church and using a 'moktak' in prayer. ('Mok' means wood and tak 'hit' —is used in Buddhist temples to call the believers to prayer). Or Christians going to a temple and singing hymns. Christian Believers forced to apostatize during the persecution of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea had to step on a cross.
Last year, in a neighborhood in Daegu, the Emergency Response Committee against the construction of a mosque was said to have barbecued pork at the site where a mosque was being built under the pretext of an end-of-the-year party knowing it was taboo in Islam. When we use symbols that are taboo in the religion one opposes this can be considered religious violence when done deliberately in opposition to the religion.
Moreover, it is a bigger problem if the reason for opposing a certain religion is fear and hatred. There is such a thing as "Islamophobia" an extreme fear and aversion to Islam. Residents of the mosque in Daegu feared a slum area if the mosque is built.
The picture on the cover of the Korean edition of the Encyclical 「All Brothers」 shows St Francis meeting the Muslim Sultan Malik al-Kamil. The beginning of the Encyclical also begins with the story of that encounter impressed by the fact that this meeting, which took place during the Crusades prompted St. Francis to avoid all forms of aggression or strife and to practice humility and fraternal 'obedience' even before those, not of the same faith. At the same time, the Encyclical suggests we should remove the clouds of a closed world and imagine an open world.
Assisi in Italy is full of the spirituality of Saint Francis. In Assisi, people of various religions, gather to pray for world peace. It was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1986. Members of each religion gather together to pray in their own ways and practices. Differences do not lead to discrimination and exclusion but the appearance of coexistence in diversity is a manifestation of peace.
As was the case in the past, it is often religion that opens the door to a new era. Some philosophers and religious people suggest an 'open world' as the next stage of development in history beyond the polarity of left and right. It is a pluralistic society based on solidarity. Beyond the world of 'cliques' that separate you and me, we will walk toward freedom and equality based on brotherly love. There we will have peace.
