Over the years I’ve observed times when it seems that God has used interesting people and situations to teach his people lessons that maybe they should have learnt other ways.

I think it’s happening again right now, in several different ways.

Let’s start by looking at the current Walk for Peace by a group of Buddhist monks.

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Just … walking

I’m sure you’ve seen it online or on TV. A score of Buddist monks from the US and overseas on a 3700 km walk from Texas in the south to Washington DC in the northeast.

They’re just walking, but somehow it’s epic.

Monks who seldom venture out of their monastery walking about 30 km a day through America’s southeast. In their orange robes, which seems to emphasise how different they are.

And a dog. Don’t forget the dog. Aloka, a rescued dog whose name means light. And who everybody seems to love.

One meal a day. (Not sure if Aloka gets more.)

This isn’t a protest. It’s not a recruiting drive. Or a financial plea.

They’re doing it to raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world. It’s something many of them have done before, in other countries.

But making an impression

What’s interesting is the public response.

At first they were fairly anonymous, hardly noticed, just like when they walked a year or so back in India.

But slowly word got around, crowds built up to welcome them into their towns, Police escorted them. People offered food and flowers. Churches offered overnight accommodation.

Now they have over 2 million Facebook followers, and Aloka has amost a million.

So now ….

At lunch stops and in the evening the monks share their thoughts on peace and mindfulness.

And people are responding. Offering food and flowers, free medical and vetinary help. Listening quietly. Some crying. Getting the message.

So many people report feeling calmed by the monks’ presence. One person who joined them for a short section of the walk said:

“That walk gave me something I didn’t know I needed. Not content. Not visibility. But proximity. Being close enough to something meaningful that it rearranges how you think, how you move, how you listen. Walking alongside people committed to peace isn’t symbolic. It’s physical. It costs something. It teaches you in ways quotes never will.”

What’s happening?

Who’d have predicted it would turn out like this?

Normal US citizens saying their lives have been changed just by seeing and hearing these monks and feeling their peace and calm.

The monks say they never expected the attention and response, and seem to hardly know how to respond in return. They say the walk has changed them too.

I wonder why the people’s response? I can only guess.

The US is going through a tough time, when violence and terror seem to be weapons their government is using against them. People are feeling powerless and desperate for hope of any kind.

So they find hope and peace in the monks’ peacefulness, discipline, self sacrifice and resilience.

They learn mindfulness practices that will help them have a more peaceful mind.

They see an alternative to the violence and meanness going on around them.

What about the church?

The Christian reaction has been interesting, and polarised.

Some Christians are praying for the monks’ safety and for their message of peace to take root. Some churches are opening their facilities to provide shelter and accommodation.

But meanwhile, other Christians and churches are supporting the ICE madness that has led to several murders of apparently innocent civilians, just as they have supported other illegal actions. Some are critical of the monks, saying they need Jesus.

The contrast is getting more stark all the time.

The monks are ministering to some people in ways the church can only envy (or learn from).

What would Jesus do?

Jesus said the peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9). He said he was giving peace to his disciples (John 14:27). He forgave a woman who was condemned by her society and told her to go in peace (Luke 7:50).

Our peace was important to him.

I have long thought that the church could help us all put Jesus’ aspiration for us into practice.

Why couldn’t the church teach mindfulness and peaceful practices? (Perhaps after first learning them!)

Why couldn’t the church teach yoga or tai chi, or develop a Christian version of them?

Another watershed for the church?

The Protestant church worldwide is polarising, especially in countries like the US and Australia.

One side emphasises sin, salvation and a safe ticket to heaven, and tends to ignore or even oppose Jesus’ teachings on peace, wealth, forgiveness and caring for the poor.

The other side emphasises these things but doesn’t seem to think belief in Jesus is as exclusive and as necessary as was once thought.

Whichever view you think is right (or if you think the truth lies in between), it seems clear that one is alienating non-believers and even many believers, while the other is more attractive and comforting.

Let those with eyes to see decide where the truth lies and how God might be prodding us to change.

Photos taken from the Walk for Peace Facebook page.