A Zoroastrian man once approached me on the Staten Island Ferry. He asked what religion I am. Christian. He replied, “Ah, my sister! I am your brother a Zoroastrian. It was my people who first made the pilgrimage to Jesus. We continue to believe the star is guiding us.”
At the conception of the Christian story is a vulnerable God in the baby Jesus who brings different religions together in holy wonder.
The Magi (in Matthew 2) were Zoroastrian priests. Star gazers. Astrologers. They interpreted dreams. They were not Jewish. They were not Christian. They were spiritual seekers of another identity.
Throughout Matthew’s Gospel he portrays the “religious other” as reverently understanding the holiness of Jesus. The mysteries of God revealed to others when they come together in the way of Wisdom in this baby Jesus.
The Magi knelt down right away in front of Jesus.
King Herod was threatened and wanted to kill Jesus.
At the heart of Matthew’s Gospel is interfaith wisdom woven throughout many religions. Expanding our understanding and our preconceived boxes of God.
King Herod was threatened and wanted to kill Jesus.
At the heart of Matthew’s Gospel is interfaith wisdom woven throughout many religions. Expanding our understanding and our preconceived boxes of God.
At the conception of Christianity, when Jesus was born, a cosmic realigning of interfaith reverence was birthed.
To be Christian is to be an interfaith neighbor.
Go deep into your faith and you will find your branches grow longer and reach to inter-religious friends in peace and goodwill. Go deep and you will find the roots to support your participation in the Tree of Life.
