THE WANDERER IS REALLY THE PRINCE OF PEACE

By Joseph O. Prewitt Díaz, PhD 

The Christian tradition introduces the Holy trinity: God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Ghost. This reflection focuses on Jesus the son. Jesus is presented to us on a constant trip, a wanderer, a constant traveler, nomadic or prodigal. He accepted food, shelter and acts of kindness from all those who would offer. He went from place to place teaching, reflecting on people’s needs and healing as needed. This travel occurred in the geographical desert and the figuratively desert that exist in the heart, mind, and soul of all of us.

We have little information about a static Jesus, but we have plenty of information about a dynamic Jesus who is constantly on the move trying to clear a path for us. We learn about ourselves when we too experience desolation in the barren lands of despair, pain, sorrow, and tribulation. Jesus teaches us to be footloose and fancy-free. Gain consolation through perpetual movement.  

Humans are not static; we move parallel to Jesus, wondering aimlessly in the desert of our thoughts, actions, and beliefs while wondering aimlessly in the dark nights of the spirit. Jesus brings peace to us by providing consolation to our souls, setting the agenda, providing guidance through pro-active actions, and yes, setting the path.

Jesus is God in motion.

He taught us to seek peace by depending of the kindness of strangers, to accept food and shelter wherever it is offered. He asks that we listen intently, and that we help those strangers that come to us in our travels to define their paths in life.

Jesus presents a simple formula for peace. He asks that we take peace to others through random acts of kindness. He asks us to bring peace through our teaching, actions. He suggests that we make peace by healing strangers and providing for the well-being.

Humanitarian workers of all segments, walks of life, and religious beliefs are the best representatives of the teachings of Jesus. Their sole intention is to bring peace to those that suffer hunger, thirst, illnesses and persecution for whom they are or what they represent. The Humanitarian Credo is best articulated in the Sermon of the Mount where Jesus expressed the beatitudes. The actions that lead to peace begin with this sermon: talking, listening, leading by example, coalition building, inclusion, and decision-making.

While there is great emphasis these days for achieving peace through dialogue, there is another more powerful way. We need to become vagabonds, rootless, and mendicants.  To achieve peace we need to help others set their paths in they find themselves in the desert. We need, through concrete and focused actions, facilitate the enhancement of self-esteem.  We need to feel the motion and to be in motion. We need to learn and to teach, and to undertake action that promotes healing. We achieve peace through forgiveness, accepting others for what and who they are. We are mirrors of Jesus the wanderer!