An Ecumenical Reflection by Bonaventure MASHATA MAfr – Coordinating SACBC Secretary for the Department of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Dialogue with the Secular World

I have been meditating on the spiritual beauty in these two months: March and April. They seem to be of very deep spiritual significance to many religions around South Africa. I am inspired by a communication I received from Mrs Hailey Fudu MSc, Secretary of Religions for Peace South Africa founded in 1984 by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  Let me bring but a few celebrations that will occur during these months:

Naw Ruz which means “New Day” is the first day of the Baháʼí calendar year and one of their eleven holy days. It occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21, which is also the traditional Persian New Year. It is a time of joy and celebration, with the darkness of winter coming to an end and the reappearance of light, warmth and the beauty of spring’s flowers. It is a day of new beginnings – of change and hope.

Holi is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu.

Nisan is the first month of the Hebrew year; it has 30 days and corresponds to March or April on the Gregorian calendar. It marks the beginning of the month of spring. This month shall be for you the head of months, the first of the months of the year” (Exodus 12:2). Passover is held annually on the anniversary of Exodus, which begins on the 15th of Nisan. Possibly, the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday, Passover is observed by eating matzah and maror (bitter herbs) and drinking four cups of wine, during a special meal called a Seder, in which they recount the gripping story of the miraculous Exodus. It celebrates God’s Salvation!

Easter for Christians is not only the greatest Christian feast; Easter Sunday symbolizes the fulfilment of Christian faith. Through His Death, Christ destroyed our bondage to sin; through His Resurrection, He brought us the promise of new life, both in Heaven and on earth. This marks the beginning of a New Era.

Ramadan is the Holy month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon Him). It is a time for fasting from sunrise to sundown. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, those who fast also restrain themselves from evil thoughts, speeches, and actions. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan and is one of the most anticipated Islamic holidays. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The observance of the fast in Ramadan, or sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is detailed in the Holy Qur’an.

In all these celebrations, there is a sense of fasting, renewal of the World or new beginnings in God. There is a confession of hope in newness that God brings about in collaboration with Humanity’s fidelity to His Word. It is a sense of hope as a red thread that runs throughout all these events. We need that hope, that newness in today’s world. That sense of hope is as well experienced in the Golden rule of various religions.

Golden Rule

Baha’i Faith: Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. Baha’u’lláh, Gleanings

 Buddhism: Treat not others in ways that you would find hurtful. The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18

Christianity: In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Jesus, Mathew 7:12

Confucianism: One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct…loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Confucius, Analects 15.23

Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:1517

Indigenous People: We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Chief Dan George

Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

Jainism: One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33

Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

During these important Holy Day observances let us all reflect on ending injustice and working for peace and doing what we can to bring about a renewal of love, hope and kindness. Perhaps we can all join together in prayer on Human Rights Day this 21st of March and take a moment to pause to centre our thoughts on our common spiritual teaching of loving all humanity. May the Creator help us all do better and bring an end to injustice. That is our Hope!