“I have no desire to argue with anyone, I choose to walk away because I want peace.” I saw this forwarded quote and I was led by the spirit for a deeper reflection. Can peace be attained by just walking away? Yes, walking away from persons or the place; walking away from situations? Walking away from the family or walking away from friends who are our eyes/ears; our hands and feet… in order to attain peace or for the sake of peace?
The former part of the quote can well be applauded. Because arguing does no good to anyone! Let’s see what Jesus meant when he said: “Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as world gives…” cf. Jn 14: 27.
In our day to day situations, we rub shoulders and at times we are not in a position to look at the face of another so much so that we change our footsteps and our timings to avoid persons meeting and having an eye lock which in a corridor or veranda is inevitable. Therefore, taking time out and facing the situation and dealing with it would rather bring us to terms with the other or enable us to enjoy peace that which is an inside business. It is also important to evaluate the root cause of the episode and the persons involved those responsible instead of walking away from the person which in turn inflicts more pain and creates inner wounds which become difficult to get healed.
No wonder Jesus, reminds St Peter of his denial, by asking him three times “Do you love me?” Jesus takes you to the real situation; makes you realise the gravity; shows you the reality enabling to face it till you become comfortable!
Another example where Jesus gives peace when he says I don’t give it to you as the world gives is: to the woman at the well! “The Samaritan Woman” ‘Call your husband’…; ‘the one that you have is not yours either’ and the openness of the woman to accept the reality which Jesus unravelled – is gracious. The woman as well, at the well could have said to Jesus, I have no desire to argue with you, as you are a Jew and I a Samaritan? But she says how can you draw the water when you don’t have a bucket? The woman as well could have said, I choose to walk away… for the thing for which she desired or had come for did not materialize!!!
The Lord God says: my ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts”. Whilst Jesus makes a clarion call: “Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” cf. Mt 11: 28. The psalmist says: “Be still and know that I am God” Ps. 46: 10.
These days of uncertainty where we are fighting the battle with Covid-19, let us put aside our past, our bickering, our misunderstandings created by us or by other forces, our flattened egos, our pride and be reconciled with those our ties are unhealthy and enjoy the peace which the Lord gives in subtle ways!
