A Different Art

II.      Vows of Rejection

“We renounce violence of the heart, tongue and fist, neither willing nor working harm to any”

(by Jesslee Cuizon via Flickr)

9. I will reject violence of the fist: I will not retaliate toward anger or assault, provocation or violence, in word or action; I will not seek or inflict any injury, harm or death toward any person.

Read the short account, The Art of Reconciliation by the late aikido teacher, Terry Dobson (also found in print, if you prefer, in What Would You Do? edited by John Howard Yoder, pgs. 104-107). Notice the ways in which the older man responded in a very Jesus-like manner. In contrast, note the ways in which Terry responded like Jesus’ disciples—passionate, loyal to Jesus, trying to do things right, but not quite getting it.

Today’s vow often leaves us like Jesus’ zealous disciples or Terry Dobson wanting to bring justice in a holy way but missing the mark. This is a relatively obvious but aggravatingly difficult peacemaking vow. “I will reject violence of the fist: I will not retaliate toward anger or assault, provocation or violence, in word or action; I will not seek or inflict any injury, harm or death toward any person.”

For Reflection and Action:

1. Name the differences in the responses of the disciples and Jesus in Luke 22:47-53—a situation of self preservation.
2. As you practice today’s relatively obvious but aggravatingly difficult peacemaking vow,

• In what ways are you like Terry Dobson, or Jesus’ sword wielding disciples?
• What have you to learn today from the older Japanese man and Jesus in these accounts?

Fra Angelica [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons

Prayer Focus

Lord, you have shown us something huge in Jesus,

shown us that your way of making things right,

your reconciling is done with careful, self-giving love.

Give us the strength to seek justice by healing others rather than attacking.

Forgive us for our physical and verbal violences

—even when we mean well.

Give us the courage to respond to threat with your wisdom.

Amen.