by Archbishop Felix Toppo, SJ

Introduction

My dear Friends,

In our divided and fragmented world of war, violence and misunderstanding, it is worthwhile to reflect on our human experience of mercy, compassion and kindness. Since the participation of the assembly comes from three religious traditions, I use my limited exposure of these traditions to throw light on the profound experience of mercy, which will unite all of us and lead to a common worship of God.

Christianity, Islam and Buddhism each have their own unique ways of conceptualizing and practicing mercy. While there may be some room for interpretation, all three faiths agree that mercy is central to their shared devotion to God.

Understanding Mercy in Christianity, Islam and Buddhism

The Christian concept of mercy describes God’s forgiving and empathetic character. It is interpreted as evidence of God’s mercy and willingness to save sinners who turn from their ways. Christians believe that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and his resurrection demonstrate God’s grace and grant salvation for anyone who put their trust in him.

In Islamic theology, God’s benevolence or ‘Raham’ is central to the concept of Allah. As far as we can tell, it takes in everything in the universe. Muslims believe that Allah’s compassion is limitless and that He shows it in many ways. Muslims are urged to seek Allah’s forgiveness by submitting to His will and repenting of their sins.

The Buddhist concept of “Karuna” which translates to “mercy” refers to compassion and the wish to relieve the sufferings of all beings. It is a crucial trait that Buddhists work on developing along the way to enlightenment. For Buddhists, the key to enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of reincarnation and sorrow is in cultivating and expressing compassion for oneself and others.

In summary, we can say that Mercy is a reflection of God’s character and a guiding principle for believers in their relationship with God and others.

Human Experience of Mercy as a Unifying Factor

Human experience of mercy also can be a unifying factor. Because it goes beyond dogma and ritual, mercy may be considered as a normal human experience. It may be seen as a common denominator throughout the world’s faiths. A few examples of how kindness may serve as a uniting concept across faiths are provided below.

First: The universal appeal to relieve pain and show compassion for those in need serves as a unifying force for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Second: All faiths view Forgiveness and reconciliation as crucial to achieve peace and healing. Mercy encourages people to forgive one another and work towards mending broken relationships.

Third: All faiths acknowledge the fact that people are not perfect and make mistakes. The doctrine of mercy recognizes the human frailty and exhorts followers to show kindness and tolerance towards one another.

Fourth: For many people of faith, divine grace and salvation are inherently linked with the concept of compassion.

Fifth: Many faiths include moral and ethical standards that stress the need of being kind, compassionate and just to others.

In brief, we can say that while many religious traditions may have different theological and doctrinal beliefs, the notion of mercy may serve as a connecting thread that fosters mutual respect, compassion and harmony.

God’s Mercy as the Source of Human Mercy

It is a fact that God’s mercy is the source of human mercy. We can truly hold that our limited experience of forgiveness, compassion and mercy originates from God, whose Mercy is unbound. Christian, Muslim and Buddhist perspectives on God’s Kindness may be briefly described as follows:

For Christians, God’s kindness is foundational. Infinite love, compassion and forgiveness are how Christians understand God to show mercy. For them Jesus Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God’s mercy, since He atoned for the sins of the world and offers salvation to all people of good will.

As already indicated, the Islamic faith emphasizes God’s Kindness or “Raham” as one of God’s most essential characteristics. Muslims consider Allah to be benevolent and caring towards everything in existence. Allah’s compassion is limitless and includes both believers and nonbelievers.

As a non-theistic religion, Buddhism places great emphasis on the virtue of compassion. They understand that compassion is a basic human trait and that through cultivating it in oneself and towards others, one might find release from suffering and realize enlightenment.

In brief, we can say that faith is a higher power or principle that gives mercy, compassion and direction to humanity for living a harmonious life. For followers of various faiths, these ideals of mercy are wellsprings of faith, consolation and ethical directions.

Conclusion

In conclusion I would say that the Mercy of God Binds Us in Unity to Worship and Exalt God.

We are brought together in praise and adoration of the Absolute or God because of His Benevolence and Goodness. God’s grace brings all people of good will together, helping them set aside their differences and rejoice in their common heritage as human beings. God’s grace has the ability to change human hearts and minds, prompting responses of thankfulness, humility and worship. By praising God for His mercy and kindness, people of all religions can grow closer to one another and renew their love for the world, the people and God. As a result of God’s Mercy, we are able to come together in worship and adoration that is both beautiful and powerful. Thank you for listening!