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Recently my attention has been drawn to a group of Buddhist Monks who are traveling on foot with the intention to promote peace, loving kindness and compassion across America. Their approximately 2300 mile Walk for Peace began on October 26, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas and as I write this they are currently walking through South Carolina.  They are expected to arrive at the steps of our nation’s capitol on February 13, 2026.

Several things have drawn me into their journey. I do admit I love a story with a faithful dog, so watching Aloka, the Peace Dog walk alongside the monks brings me joy. But, mostly the fact that so many are paying attention has lightened my soul at a time where anger and division has become more normal than love and acceptance.

To the monks each step is a prayer. One observer has noted “They (the monks) walk with intention, and people are watching because it’s rare to see that kind of consistency.”

You might be asking why I, as a Christian am paying attention to this. It is because I am noticing there are parallels to what I read in Scripture about Jesus.  Remember, the Magi were not Jewish but recognized something big was happening when Jesus was born. They traveled many miles to present extravagant gifts to the young child. We also know Jesus walked pretty much everywhere, but what has been recorded in Scripture that says he intentionally walked somewhere?

The first I found was in John 4. At that time, it was not accepted for Jews to take the shortest route from Galilee to Judea.  Because of tension with the Samarian Jews, many traveled extra miles to avoid an encounter. However, Jesus intentionally walked through Samaria, where he met the woman at the well. After meeting Jesus, the woman ran to tell others about this man who gave her “living water.”

Many times we read that Jesus walked up the mountain to pray. Once he walked with a large group of followers up a hillside where he fed everyone and preached what we know as the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5). Following that he walks on water to calm his disciples who were fishing and became frightened during a storm (Matt. 14).

Christ spent his lifetime intentionally preparing for his final walk in human skin up the Via Delorosa, beaten and bleeding carrying the cross that he would ultimately be nailed to and crucified. Three days later he walks out of the tomb to console Mary Magdalene.

I ask myself why were these stories recorded and why are they still relevant today? I believe the people at that time were just trying to live their lives under the thumb of the Roman Empire. Here comes Jesus bringing a message of a kingdom of love-the kind of love that says, ‘all will be well.’ As I am prone to stress that comes from the uncertainty of this world, I need to hear this.

A statement from the Walk for Peace social media states, “Every step taken by the venerable monks is a living prayer for the world. It is our deepest hope that this Walk for Peace brings joy and happiness to all who witness it, serving as a gentle reminder of the harmony that is possible. More than just a physical journey, we walk to inspire every soul we encounter to awaken the peace that already dwells within their own hearts. Peace is not something to be found at the end of the road, but something we carry with us in every mindful breath and every kind gesture.” 

Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)  What a gift. Now, it’s up to me to unwrap the gift and share it. 

For all who are walking - both physically and through spirit I share this…

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine upon your face.
The rain fall soft upon your field.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of God’s hand.

~an Irish Blessing

Peace (you know I was going to say that, right?),
Teresa