In 1993 the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Algeria left many Christians confronted with a difficult choice: go into exile or stay knowing that conflict would arise if they continued to practice their faith openly. The following is from a letter written by a monk named Christian de Cherge who decided to stay and who was later arrested and executed. I came across it in the course of my personal reading, and would love to hear your thoughts on what I felt was an incredibly moving peek at this man’s heart for his “enemies,” a heart that seems to understand grace a lot better than I do.
“Obviously, my death will justify the opinion of all those who dismissed me as naïve or idealistic: ‘Let him tell us what he thinks now.’ But such people should know that my death will satisfy my most burning curiosity. At last, I will be able – if God pleases – to see the children of Islam as He sees them, illuminated in the glory of Christ, sharing in the gift of God’s passion and of the Spirit, whose secret joy will always be to bring forth our common humanity amidst our differences.
I give thanks to God for this life, completely mine yet completely theirs, too, to God, who wanted it for joy against, and in spite of, all odds. In this Thank You – which says everything about my life – I include you, my friends past and present…
And to you, too, my friend of the last moment, who will not know what you are doing. Yes, for you, too I wish this thank-you, this “A-Dieu,” whose image is in you also, that we may meet in heaven, like happy thieves, if it pleases God, our common Father. Amen! Insha Allah!”
I am moved that his “most burning curiosity” is to see his enemies the way God sees them. I would argue that this is the last thing that many of us American Christians hold as our most burning curiosity. Our language is dominated by rights, power and proving the other as wrong and evil, than deeply desiring to see all of humanity (including our enemy) as God’s precious creation. Much to learn from this man.
I loved the phrase “like happy thieves,” I felt it was a beautiful sentiment that goes completely against the Pharisee of Luke 18, who thanks God that he is not like the sinners. De Chegre has every reason to see his executor as an enemy and to seek some consolation in the justice of God. He has every reason to glorify himself and to point to his willingness to risk death for Christ’s sake. Instead, he sees his own solidarity with his executor. He sees they are both “thieves” in need of grace, and if God blesses his executor with the grace to know him, that the two of them will later embrace in joy.
Which is why I think you’re right on, Kelsi. Our entire culture is centered, economically and politically, around getting what’s “ours.” Too often I fall into that trap and forget I am called to be broken for others who share in God’s image, to give up my rights and power for the sake of others. I forget I am to love my enemy, even when he slaps me on the cheek.