Curt and Shay got the opportunity yesterday to represent Danube International Church at a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. It was by invitation from the American Embassy with Ambassador April Foley hosting the event. The ceremony was held in a unique Catholic chapel on the Pest Side near Hero's Square--the Jaki Chapel. It was an "interfaith" ceremony with a Catholic speaking, a Muslim, and a Jew.
Some of the remarks from the Cardinal: ..."Almighty God. We are unable to accept hatred and aggression. Please, behold mankind suffering from wars and the victims of the terrorist attacks. Strengthen the hope in the heart of your people so that peaceful and happy days will dawn upon them through your assistance....."
The Jew said: ...."We now have learned that history repeats itself and if we do not put an end to hate speech, then sooner or later we will be hit by war again.....We can never be safe when hate speech emerges anywhere in the world...."
The Muslim said:..."Only those who nurture a feeling of true love towards others are the ones who work together and strive to know each other better. Prophet Muhammad-peace be with him-who was sent by the Creator to all creatures of the world as a sign of his mercy, talks about unselfish love in a way familiar to both Christians and Jews....."
Ambassador Foley said: ..."As human beings and citizens of the world, the similarities between us are greater than the issues that divide us. We share a common humanity. We share a commitment to social justice, compassion, concern for the poor, love of family and community..."
Although it was a solemn and moving ceremony, we were struck by the fact that at no point was the name of Christ lifted up as the only hope that the world has for eternal peace and salvation. The name of Christ was not spoken at the ceremony as the answer to all the questions and fears that the world has. Only Christ can protect us ultimately from the evil in the world.
At the end of the speaking and the music, we were asked to light candles and to bring them to the front of the chapel to commemorate those that had lost their lives on 9/11. We filed quietly out after that where Ambassador Foley greeted each person as they left the chapel.
We were thankful to represent America and we were thankful to represent a church that names the Name of Christ as the only way to salvation and eternal life. How different the ceremony would have been had we been in charge! Glory be to God and to His Son, Jesus Christ.
