"The" Walk for Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

There’s a lot going on, in the name of peace, these days. Since I started writing this blog, athletes from around the world walked in symbolic unity during the Parade of Nations to open the Winter Olympics. A Super Bowl commercial featured rock star Lady Gaga singing her version of Fred Rogers’ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” AI tells me it was to emphasize community, kindness, and neighborly connection in a polarized world. The cynical side of me thinks it was a multi-million-dollar investment to promote the sponsor’s brand. 

As I’m typing, nineteen Buddhist monks and their dog, are walking just a few hundred yards from my office. For hours, people have been lining up, setting up folding chairs, and wading in the snow to get a glimpse of what has been titled, the “Walk for Peace.” The stated goal for this journey, which began in Texas, and concludes in our Nation’s Capital, is “to raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across America and the world.” Peace is certainly a worthwhile goal. Our country and world could use a little inner (and outer) peace right now. 

Unwittingly, these men, like the athletes of the Olympic games and Gaga, have become celebrities. Over a million people have lined up along their 2,300-mile path. Thousands have packed into the venues in which their leader has addressed the crowds. 

Unfortunately, most of those who need to heed and internalize their mission of peace have not. During their journey of a couple thousand miles, thousands of lives have still been lost to violence. No war has waned. No protest paused. No division diverted. 

Over two thousand years ago, a lone figure also took a painstakingly long walk. Upon His shoulders, he carried both the weight of the Cross, and the weight of the world. In the fourteenth century, Franciscan monks named this path, the Via Dolorosa, Latin for “Way of Suffering.” Symbolic markers point out the “Stations of the Cross,” commemorating the events of Christ’s last day as He walked from condemnation to crucifixion. 

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, and reflect on our Savior’s sacrificial walk, death, burial, and resurrection, may we too pray for peace. Pray for the peace, the Bible promises, surpasses all understanding. Pray for the peace Jesus promised to leave and give to His followers. Pray for the peace given, not as the world, not as men, monks, or even ministers give. Pray for the peace of Christ.

I also pray that each of us will take our own walk for peace. Perhaps it’s a walk out of our way to mend a tattered relationship. Perhaps it’s a walk up to that person to ask for or extend forgiveness. Perhaps, it’s a walk around our neighborhoods, schools, or government buildings to pray for God’s intervention. Most of all, I pray we internalize “the” walk for peace our Savior endured for your sins and mine. God bless. 

Arnold "Win" Davis

Executive Director of Missions