For Christians around the world, this is the season of Pentecost, observed in the west on May 15, and in Eastern and Orthodox churches, because of their different calendar, on June 19. It recalls the Biblical story of the gathering of Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Pentecost, when their experience of the Spirit was so powerful that they heard and saw it like a roaring wind and flames of fire. Even more remarkable, with people among them from across the region whose cultures and languages differed widely, each was speaking a native language, and yet all understood each other.

This is a story of hope for the day when all people everywhere will relate to one another with understanding. It grounds the conviction that our various religions are like different languages with which we try to speak about the same unspeakable divine Spirit.

One of those languages still quite new to our community here in Maine is Islam, whose most significant annual observance, Ramadan, comes at this same season this year, June 6 – July 7. It recalls another experience of the divine Spirit, the revelation to Muhammad of the sacred text of Islam, the Quran. It is the holiest time of the Muslim year, observed with complete abstinence from any food or drink, including chewing gum and tobacco, from sunrise to sunset (a very long time in Maine in June).

Muslims, too, come from around the world, and have many diverse cultures and languages. Traditions vary as well, with different customs and emphases, just as there are diverse Christian traditions. But all Muslims are united in the Ramadan fast, considered incumbent upon all who are mentally and physically able. Many consider the fast to be less about deprivation than about spiritual nourishment, insight into the challenges of others and reminder of the blessings sometimes taken for granted. It is experienced as a time to serve humanity and practice compassion, and a reminder of the presence to Muhammad of the Spirit, as to each and all of the faithful.

Diverse religious and spiritual traditions have different customs to promote spiritual learning, and different languages with which to speak of it. Translation is not difficult; with open minds and hearts, and the presence of the Spirit that knows no boundaries, we are able to realize that we have much more in common than separates us.

In this season of summer, when Pentecost and Ramadan coincide, are we who are Christian able to find understanding across differences of religious language and tradition? And are we who are Muslim able to know that the same Spirit that blesses our fast also enlivens the hearts of members of other faiths? If so, then surely, like those gathered so long ago, we, speaking in many languages, will understand and be understood.

Pentecost blessings, and Ramadan Mubarak!

Andrea Thompson McCall is a retired United Church of Christ minister who served as Interfaith Chaplain at the University of Southern Maine.

Pious Ali serves on the Portland School Board and is a member of the staff at the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine.


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