Listen to Niccolo Cosme and His Crown of Thorns

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

Niccolo Cosme in a crown of thorns

On his Facebook page, Niccolo Cosme has posted an image of himself wearing a crown of thorns in support of Carlos Celdran and all those who might "Offend Religious Feelings". I believe "listening" is at the core of the current worldwide debate about "offending religious feelings", because in crowning Jesus, the soldiers of ancient Rome not only mocked him but made a conscious decision not to listen to his message of hope. I find hope in the crown of thorns because it is a reminder of the importance of listening in a time when too many people fear listening. Listening is important in life and is crucial to making social relationships work. So many people of faith in America, India, Philippines, Russia, and the Islamic world talk about prayer, reading scripture, and serving God; but not a lot of these same Believers talk about listening to God in actions and voices of those with whom they disagree. "Believing" should not mean an unwillingness to listen to those with a different perspective. I am grateful for Niccolo Cosme's crown of thorns. It's a reminder to me that it's time we listened.