April's reflection comes from Muhammad Shahzad Hussain, who serves at Faith in Place as Multifaith Outreach Coordinator. Please enjoy it below and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events.
Mr. and Mrs. Heinens, Tom and Katie, have been my gracious neighbors. Despite my status as a newcomer to Milwaukee, they warmly welcomed me into their community. Their kindness extended beyond mere neighborly gestures—they introduced me to numerous religious and environmental groups in the region.
On Holy Thursday, they invited me to St. Michael's and St. Rose of Lima's joint service at St. Rose. The two Catholic parishes share staff and transcend language barriers by conducting services in up to six different languages. It was during this visit that I encountered the Washing of Feet ritual for the very first time. As I stood in line, intending to wash Mr. Tom’s feet, fate took an unexpected turn. Instead, it was my feet that he washed, while I humbly performed the same act of service for a stranger lady. The priest, with a gentle touch, dried our feet with a towel.
Throughout the service, my mind swirled with reflections on the profound messages embedded in our faith traditions. As a Muslim, I am well-acquainted with the deep significance of Ramadan—an annual period of self-reflection and abstaining from wrongdoing. However, my role at Faith in Place has broadened my horizons. I now learn about the rituals of other faith traditions—the langar in Sikhism and the Passover in Judaism. These practices convey powerful ideas of compassion, selflessness, unity, and optimism.
These shared values fuel my unwavering commitment to our work and mission at Faith in Place. Together, we strive to create a better world—one where kindness and understanding help create a united spiritual front for the environmental challenges of our age.
Muhammad Shahzad Hussain