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After hearing the readings on Sunday, I realized that I had been blessed in
July to witness first hand just what the readings were describing -
their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,
for my house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples. (Is. 56 6-7)
O God, let all the nations praise you! (Ps 67)
It isn't often that one can witness a true house of prayer for all people.
But, just last month I had accompanied a delegation of people to the tsunami
devastated region of Nagappatinam, India for my work with Catholic Relief
Services and while there we visited a very famous shrine to Our Lady of Good
Health right on the coast. On my second day there, I made it to mass which
was celebrated in Tamil, the local language. The only words I understood
during the service were, "Communion is for Catholics only." Only then did I
take a good look around and realized that less than a third of the attendees
were receiving communion, many of the rest were either Hindus or Muslims or
other religions, all there in prayerful contemplation.
After mass, I went outside with my companions to find the actual Shrine
which was located below the main sanctuary. We decided to go and find where
we could buy some candles to offer. Just outside was a place to purchase
candles of all different colors and strangely enough, they were also selling
coconuts! I was perplexed, sure I know that coco milk is tasty, but it was
bit strange! Well, the mystery was solved as we walked into the shrine, and
there was the most beautiful sight, all mixed together were Christians,
Muslims, and Hindus, each in their own particular way praying to Our Lady of
Good Health. The Hindus had their offering trays complete with burning
prayer sticks and split coconuts, Christians burning candles many on their
knees, and Muslim women with their heads covered offering praise.
Upon leaving the shrine we were offered fragrant jasmine flowers which many
put in their hair. Never will I smell jasmine again without remembering
that beautiful sight amid the destruction of the tsunami - all nations in
praise as their offerings and sacrifices were being accepted in God's house
- a house a prayer for all peoples.
