God's October Surprise

At just the moment of history when religious conflicts have reemerged bearing lethal dangers for each other and our planet, God has given our spiritual and religious traditions a gift of time.

During October 2005, a rare confluence of sacred moments in many different traditions invites us to eat together, walk together, learn together, pray alongside each other, listen to each other, and work together for peace, justice, human rights, and the healing of our wounded earth.

The sacred Muslim lunar month of Ramadan and the sacred Jewish lunar month of Tishrei (which includes the High Holy Days) both begin October 3-4; October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi; and October 2 is World-wide (Protestant/Orthodox) Communion Sunday. October 2 was Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. October 4 to 12 are for Hindus Navarathri (nine nights of spiritual struggle), followed on October 13 by Vijayadashami, the tenth day of spiritual victory. And for Buddhists, Vassa (rainy season of spiritual reflection) ends on October 18 with the full moon day, Pavarana.

We could do much during these sacred times to heal our nation and the world. As one unifying moment of our prayer and effort. “The Tent of Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah” calls on all communities of faith and ethics to observe a Nationwide Fast for Reflection, Repentance, Reconciliation, and Renewal, from sunrise to sunset on October 13. That day is for Muslims one of the fast days of Ramadan, and for Jews is the fast day of Yom Kippur.

Just as Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah welcomed into their tent thirsty travelers from all four directions, we welcome to this Fast not only those of the three Abrahamic traditions, but all who thirst for a world made whole. We encourage those who join in this Fast to dedicate their prayers and their intention to serve the God Who calls us to seek peace, feed the poor, heal the earth, and then later to take visible steps in the world to heed God's call.

 

This Call was initiated by The Tent of Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah. For more information and action suggestions, see their website. The Call has been endorsed by the National Council of Churches, the Islamic Society of North America, Pax Christi, The Shalom Center, the Jewish Committee for Isaiah's Vision, ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal and its rabbinic body, Ohalah, the Disciples Justice Action Network. Northwest Interfaith Movement (Philadelphia).