With these things in mind, how should the people of faith respond? For the believer in Jesus, it is necessary to look at his teachings on peace. The challenges he confronted are similar and sometimes even worse than our own, yet he presented a catalytic way of dealing with violence, hatred, and enmity. It is catalytic because it does not encourage retaliation or complacency. The way of the cross of Christ is the way of patient, faithful, self-sacrificing obedience. We remember the words of Jesus as he turns the way of the world on its head: “I tell you: Love your neighbors and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

When visiting Canterbury Cathedral in sixth grade during a school trip, I could never have imagined that one day I’d find myself in the West Bank, in a room full of local women sharing about reconciliation with the Archbishop’s wife. However, life throws funny surprises at you sometimes, especially in this part of the world, so this is exactly what happened in early May when I was asked to join a diverse group of Musalaha women from Israel and Palestine for an important meeting.