15 But once more God will send us his spirit. The wasteland will become fertile, and fields will produce rich crops.
16 Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done.
Isaiah 32:15-16 (Good News Translation)
I was deeply moved to attend this evening’s concert, dedicated to reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
I warmly welcome representatives of international Jewish organizations, Christian churches and communities, and Islam; conductor Maestro Gilbert Levine; the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; and the choirs from Ankara, Kraków, London, and Pittsburgh.
Tonight’s music invites us to reflect on two themes shared by Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, despite differences among their sacred texts: reverence for the Patriarch Abraham and belief in the resurrection of the dead.
The history of relations among Jews, Christians, and Muslims is marked by patches of light and shadow, including painful moments. Today, we recognize the pressing need for sincere reconciliation among believers in the one God. This evening, we gather here to give concrete expression to this commitment to reconciliation through music.
Our shared hope is that people may be freed from the hatred and evil that continually threaten peace, and reach out to one another with hands untouched by violence, ready to offer help and comfort to those in need.
Jews honor the Almighty as the protector of the human person and the God of the promises of life.
Christians know that love is why God enters into relations with human beings and that love is the response he demands of them.
For Muslims, God is good and can fill the believer with his mercies and compassion.
Nourished by these convictions, Jews, Christians, and Muslims cannot accept that the earth be afflicted by hatred or that humanity be overwhelmed by endless wars.
Yes! We must find within us the courage for peace. We must implore from on High the gift of peace. And this peace will spread like a soothing balm if we travel non-stop on the road to reconciliation. Then the wilderness will become a garden where justice will flourish, and justice will bring peace (Isaiah 32: 15-16).
Excerpted from the words of His Holiness, Saint Pope John Paul II
Address of John Paul II at the Conclusion of the Concert Dedicated to the Theme of Reconciliation Among Jews, Christians and Muslims.
The Vatican, Paul VI Audience Hall – 17 January 2004
Read the Vatican text
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