The Imam

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

…whatever house you enter, first say ‘Peace be upon this house!’

In a previous life, I worked at a church which was, in many ways, progressive and open-minded. At a moment in time when Islamophobia was really getting ramped up in the USA, the pastor decided to bring an Imam, who he personally knew, to give a presentation on the Muslim faith. I can hardly explain to you the vitriol that we endured in the weeks leading up to the appearance. We got calls from as far away as North Carolina trying to get us to cancel the talk. I was truly stunned.

On the day of the presentation, I was in the office and so I was the first person to welcome the Imam to our church. The Imam greeted me kindly by saying, “Peace be upon you.” I knew there was something specific I was supposed to say to that greeting, but I didn’t know what it was, so I replied, “Thank you and welcome to our church.” (For future reference, the correct response is, "And upon you be peace") He accepted my awkward greeting graciously, and I took him in to be with our pastor.

I often recall this event whenever I hear this weekend’s gospel. What a beautiful way to enter someone’s home, particularly if it is the first time you are there. Of course, I never use it because I’m furiously thinking of all the witty things I’ll be saying to ingratiate myself with the host. And that’s a lousy excuse.

In the Catholic tradition, we begin every Mass with the words, “The Lord be with you.” In saying these words, the priest is, in effect, inviting you and me to realize that Jesus is with us at that moment. It should – should – bring us peace and comfort to know that regardless of where my mind is at, Jesus is here with me in totality. And with Jesus comes peace.

Unfortunately, I tend to gloss over these words as just one more ritual that is a part of the Mass. More words. Blah, blah, blah. But I am realizing that, just as how I enter a new friend’s home matters, how I begin my prayer at Mass matters, too. Am I open to receiving God’s peace, or am I just checking a box? In truth, far too often, it’s the latter.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” [Philippians 4:7] (to quote the good King James) is not something to overlook. In the world we live in, peace of mind, peace of heart and peace of soul are critical to our survival. And the only place I am going to find that peace is in the presence of Christ. No amount of any kind of practice will bring me that peace if I do not focus on Jesus. Prayer, contemplation, and mindfulness are indispensable in finding that peace.

As I encounter people who are stressed and fearful about conditions in the world and in our country, I am offered an opportunity to share Christ’s peace with them. They may not fully understand at first, but if I am consistent and unswerving in my own faith, they will begin to understand and begin to accept God’s peace for themselves.

By the way, the presentation on Islam by the Imam, went off without any major hitches. I learned a lot about Islam that evening. We all learned that true Islam is not the extreme violent strain that we see on the news. A sincere relationship with God will bring peace, no matter what religious tradition a person may follow. And sharing that peace, with each and every person I encounter, is a mark of a follower of God.

“Peace be upon you.”

Every Day.

© 2025 by Timothy J. Doppel

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