Many have spoken of and written about a Blessed or Beloved Community, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I believe that many of us have had glimpses of such a community, experiences of great growth with others.
Such experiences are rarely found in the day to day. Usually they are in those special meetings or gatherings with a narrow common focus: religious retreats, conferences, or trainings. I have been blessed to have had such experiences.
I began my higher education at a small college. This school had a large foreign student population. They offered a language lab that helped the non-American students gain a greater understanding of our language and our culture. This would help the student’s transition to a University to be a successful one. These students were a Beloved Community for me.
Two of my closest friends from those days were both Moslem. One was from Iran, M., and the other from Lybia, A. M. was here escaping the oppression of the Shah, who’s secret police had killed his relatives. A. was here “dodging the draft.” He had a leg that had been affected by polio, and had he stayed home he would have had to serve for years in the infantry. Both found a level of comfort here in our country.
M. and A. used to tease each other about their language and (forgive my ignorance at this point) their Moslem denomination. They both taught me a great deal about western and eastern literature, classical music, and how to think in new ways. They were both brilliant teachers and kind friends to me.
Other students were from Japan, Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq, Belgium, England, and Micronesia. And I am sure there were more. I found them to be so kind and so willing to share their knowledge and interests. Our International Club hosted dinners and talent shows. We were so respectful of each other. We were a very beloved community to me.
I have been blessed in my life to have had other peak experiences in my life, before and since college. Each has changed me. I am glad for the change.
I found two truths in these experiences. I came away from each experience feeling like I had found more brothers and sisters, real neighbors. I also found that I am superior to none. We are all equal in the sight of my God.
I have lost track of most of those kind and generous people. I have not lost the lessons. I must love my neighbor as much as I love myself. We are all equal creatures in this amazing creation.
In Christ's love,
Fr. Robert Pax
