The Oblate Charism in Inter-Religious Dialogue

What does the Oblate Charism have to offer in a context of inter-religious dialogue?

The experience of the Asia-Oceania Region over the past few weeks, has given us a new perspective of the ‘Washing of the Feet’ in John’s Gospel (John 13:1—17) in so far as John situates the acts of service and sacrifice as essential and preparatory for the celebration of the Passover/Eucharist.  John teaches us that before celebrating the sacraments, we require dispositions of sacrifice and service for the purposes of bringing people into communion.  And therefore, a sacramental Church is first born out of sacrifice and service—and these gifts to the Church, prepares it for a future celebration of faith in Christ Jesus.

Oblates in many parts of Asia-Oceania, work respectfully in collaboration with peoples of different religions and cultural perspectives, and this witness to inter-religious dialogue is prophetic.  This respectful and open engagement between peoples of different religions, teach us that dialogue creates an ‘experience’ and an ‘encounter’ with one another which develops friendship and communion. It is in this ‘shared experience’, that we discover an ‘encounter with God’, in a somewhat ‘mystical experience’ by which people are brought into ‘communion’ even within a context of religious differences.

Therefore, we ask ourselves the questions: What do we as Oblates bring to this dialogue with other religions?  What do we have to offer in the person of Jesus Christ?  And what are we willing to learn and receive from the rich cultural and religious traditions with whom we engage?

From the witness of the Oblates in the Asia-Oceania Region, we see many Oblates engaged in ministries of care, of service to the poor, and of out-reach to the most abandoned.  And many of the people with whom the Oblates work and serve, are peoples of different religions and cultural perspectives.  The Oblate Charism offers the opportunity of creating an experience where people see that God, in Christ Jesus, makes an preferential option for the poor—that God reaches out to humanity and is generous without measure.  The Oblate Charism offers inter-religious dialogue, a mystical experience of ‘grace’.  And in turn, in our poverty, we are moved and changed by the very people we evangelize.

Therefore, the works which the Oblates do, here in this Region, are works of service and sacrifice, and these gifts to the Church, are essential and preparatory for the celebration of faith in Christ Jesus—in time and in a way known to God alone. John’s Gospel of the ‘Washing of the Feet’ is prophetic of the Church we are called to become.

By Charles Rensburg, OMI – Treasurer General

Published on the OMI World website