The focus of our afternoon was “Our relationship with God in and through nature.” This arose from the idea to return to a project from 4 years ago when the Ah al Bait Society and the Focolare community in Glasgow planted some trees together.
A small group went during the week to the site and took some photos to share. In a short presentation these were interspersed with Christian and Islamic scripture, which became the reflection that we shared before going into small groups. This helped us to continue that journey of really getting to know each other. The children took part in activities adapted to their interests and age on the same theme.
In a conversation over coffee, the question of when we first came together was raised. We realised that it is now almost 10 years since we made the first tentative steps to get to know each other. Now we really feel like one big family and it is often that sense of family that resonates with others.
Here are some thoughts about the day.
“It was a wonderful gift spending time with you all and linking our experiences with Nature and God. We are safely back in Aberdeen.” David
“… our Shia Muslim friends and families – some of whom we are very close, others who came for the first time – one man was only intending to drop off his daughter but came in, stayed the whole time, and was delighted…” Edi
“It was very clear in both the meditations and the sharing , amidst much joy and laughter , that we truly are all children of the One Father.” Theresa
It was such a gift to be together. The presence of God among us was palpable and experienced as the real sense of being one family. The photos don’t do it justice.
To find out more about inter-religious dialogue and the Focolare Movement see the June 2024 Link-Up which has a report on the recent inter-religious meeting held in Rome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfr8N4PFen0