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Before I forget...
The first time I saw Michelangelo's Pietá was at the New York World's Fair in the early sixties. Thirty years later, I saw it again at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. As the Virgin Mary holds her dead son, it is the most eloquent expression of human suffering of a mother for her son. Its elegant, simple, and profound beauty speaks a universal language of love, sorrow, and compassion that any human being can understand, regardless of their faith. A Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, all would understand the pain of Mary. What can Michelangelo's beautiful image of Mary, quietly weeping for the loss of her son, teach us in 2002?
I've been reading about the religion of Islam, the world's fastest growing religion. Did you know that both Mary and Jesus have an important place in the theology of Islam? Both are admired as religious models and saintly persons. Jesus is considered the greatest prophet who came before Mohammed. Mary, his mother is admired as a woman of outstanding holiness. Can Mary contribute something to peace in the Middle East, and America's dealings with the ever-emerging Muslim world?
First of all, Mary is a woman, and women are generally opposed to war. The reason is because they have given life to their sons, and to see them killed in war is always painful to any mother. War brings death and destruction, most especially to civilians and refugees, all of who are non-combatants according to the Geneva Conventions for the prosecution of war. In effect, these conventions are more violated the observed. The term "collateral damage" covers up a multitude of sins. Under this guise, homes are destroyed, innocent women and children are killed, refugees are multiplied by the millions, and the ravages of war continue.
Could it happen that Mary might become that holy, saintly woman that women in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism call upon as a patroness of peace? Jewish mothers are legendary figures. We read about some of them in Sacred Scripture. They are strong women honored by Jewish and Christian people. Likewise, Mary is honored in Islam as a valiant woman, a mother who gave life to a great prophet of Israel.
Women are often instruments of peace. In our lifetime, it was the women of Argentina, the mothers of the sons who "disappeared", who eventually forced the government to change its belligerent policies. It is the mothers of condemned criminals who are often the most eloquent and articulate voices against capital punishment. Women around the world know the terrible consequences of taking life rather than giving it. And Mary, the mother of Jesus, knows the pain of every mother whose son/daughter has been killed. In our Catholic tradition we call her Queen of Peace. Can we Catholics, and all Christians, Jews and Muslims invoke her to help us find peace in our times? Why not?
It is important to pray for peace. None of us want to see our young killed in war. Wee know that violence only leads to more violence, and war leads to more war. John Paul II said that the only answer to war is forgiveness. There can be no peace without justice, the Holy Father said, and no justice without forgiveness. Can we Christian Americans call upon our government to forgive? If we can't, why not? Can our brothers and sisters in the Middle East forgive one another after centuries of hate and anger? Why not?
Can we implore the Mother of Jesus in 2002 A.D. to help us find peace? All of us, Jews, Christians, and Muslims call upon the same God. We are all God's people and we must love one another--right? Violence has no place in God's family--only love, compassion and forgiveness.
On this feast of the Body of Christ, let us pray that the Mother of God help us love, forgive and seek peace.
Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Fr. Bill
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